The Purpose of National Drunk Driving Prevention Month
Since December is one of the busiest months of the year filled with winter holiday celebrations such as Christmas and New Years Eve, there are many more social events and evening gatherings where alcohol is available. Unfortunately, driving under the influence of alcohol is quite common during the Christmas season. Drunk driving puts drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, and thousands of Americans are killed each year. In December, we celebrate National Drunk Driving Prevention Month to raise awareness on the issue.
Some important facts about this month
It is reported that each year, around 30 million people drive while intoxicated and around 10 million drivers go behind the wheel after using illegal drugs.
Nearly 25 people a day died in drunk driving crashes in 2010. Drinking and driving can be deadly, especially for teens.
Young adults (ages 21 to 34) are much more likely to die in a car accident after drinking alcohol.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day 28 people in the United States lose their lives in car accidents involving a drunk driver.
In 2014, of the 1,070 traffic accident deaths among children (ages 0-14), nearly 19% involved drivers drunk with alcohol.
Drugs other than alcohol are also a factor in traffic accidents.
Effective preventive measures
Prevention begins with our sense of personal responsibility. It is time for drivers, regardless of their age, to start thinking about how they can practice safe driving and re-evaluate their driving habits.
Running school programs and educating teens on the importance of NOT getting in the car with a driver who is under the influence would be an effective solution.
Electronic surveillance of repeat DWI offenders also appears to be effective. Ignition interlocks in cars prevent anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from driving the vehicle above the specified level.
If you come across a possibly drunk driver on the road, contact the police immediately! Your timely action could save someone’s life.
Families play a critical role in ending drunk driving. We all need to educate our children about the risks of using alcohol or illicit drugs, and especially how dangerous it is to drive.
If your vacation plans involve drinking liquor, be sure to always plan ahead for a safe trip home.
Every year, a greater volume of vehicles flood the roads. People rush to see their loved ones while on vacation, and the chances of being in a driving accident increase during these periods. While most people are well informed, there are still many other people who are unaware of how this easily avoidable problem could affect their loved ones. It is our personal duty to help people understand how dangerous this habit really is.
Organize a local awareness campaign to explain the risks involved and how drinking and driving can affect families. Surprise attendees with personalized gifts. Silicone bracelets are perfect for this type of campaign because they are original, durable, long-lasting and inspiring. You can get them in different colors, fonts, sizes, and styles. The bracelets carry messages. Choose from “Think and Drive”, “Never Drink and Drive” or create something of your own.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!