Impaired Driving This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and joy. However, with celebration often comes the use of drugs and alcohol, leading to a subsequent increase in road accidents due to impaired driving. Whether due to alcohol or drug consumption, driving under the influence poses a threat to our community. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, in the United States, there are about 10,500 drunk driving deaths annually: this alarming statistic underscores the importance of making prudent choices this holiday season.

Alcohol and drug consumption significantly affects a driver’s reaction time. According to University of Michigan doctor Brad Uren, a blood alcohol content of 0.08–the legal limit in the United States–results in an average decreased reaction time of 120 milliseconds.To put that into perspective, if a driver were travelling 70 miles per hour, they would travel an additional 12 feet before reacting to a potential hazard on the road. For an average adult male weighing about 160 lbs, it only takes around four drinks over two hours to result in a blood alcohol content of 0.08.

Not only does alcohol impair reaction time, but it also affects motor skills. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows brain activity, leading to impaired cognitive functioning. Because of this, drunk driving slows down reflexes, reducing one’s ability to steer and use pedals safely. Moreover, alcohol relaxes the eye muscles, leading to blurred vision and overall decreased visual activity.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, December sees the highest number of drunk driving fatalities in nearly 15 years. However, it is critical to recognize that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment leading to fatalities–recreational and legal drugs such as marijuana and prescription medications can also impact a driver’s abilities. These substances impair coordination, attentiveness, perception, judgment, and reaction times, making it just as dangerous to drive under their influence as it is to drive while intoxicated.

To protect yourself and others during the holidays, it’s essential to make both responsible and informed choices. First, if you plan to drink or use substances, designate a driver before you begin consuming. If you are unable to find a designated driver, utilize a ride-sharing service. Uber and Lyft are widely accessible and are both great options if you need a ride home.

If using these options is not possible, the best choice is to stay where you are! Most hosts would be more than willing to offer you a spot to stay if you are impaired and unable to drive. It is equally as important to be a responsible host: make sure your guests have a safe way to get home, and encourage guests to stay over if they’ve been drinking. Lastly, if you witness impaired or erratic driving, report it to the authorities. A simple action like this could save lives, including both the driver’s and your own. Driving under the influence, in any capacity, can have devastating consequences. Don’t make this holiday season one to remember for the wrong reasons.

References

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Drive sober this December—and every month. U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/drive-sober-december-and-every-month
Michigan Medicine. (2021, November 1). How alcohol impairs your ability to drive. Health Lab. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/how-alcohol-impairs-your-ability-drive
Drug Abuse Statistics. (n.d.). ###em. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from ###a rel="noopener" target="_new" href="https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-related-deaths/" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://drugabusestatistics.or...