National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

According to APHA, the reason for this is due to the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. This is described as one of the most dangerous times on America’s roadways. The roads are busier in those six weeks than any other time of the year.

What is impaired driving?

Typically, the term impaired driving is known as driving under the fluence or simply DUI; the terms can all be used interchangeably. A DUI is classified as driving a vehicle while one’s blood alcohol content is above the legal limit. In all states, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher.

Why is it important to recognize National Impaired Driving Prevention Month?

Although it is a mouthful, it is important to recognize that people do drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. On average there are 30 million Americans that drive drunk and over 10 million that will drive impaired by illicit drugs.

Scary facts

• Every day almost 30 people in the United States die in a drunk driving accident

• Drunk driving claims more than 10,000 lives a year

• 29% of vehicle fatalities are due to drunk driving

The consequences of driving impaired range from misdemeanors to felony offenses, depending on the state. A first-time offense can cost the driver upwards of $10,000 in fines. Consequences can also include the temporary loss of driver’s license, an SR-22 requirement, high insurance premiums, court-mandated community service, and even jail time.

Alcohol and drugs do not go together with driving. Driving requires a person’s full attention and ability to make decisions while behind the wheel.

Be sure to have a designated driver or request a ride-share if you know you will potentially be inebriated and unable to drive.