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National Impaired Driving Month

20 December 2012 One Comment

Give your car keys to a friend. Don't drive while impaired.Written by: Angela Rampton

Thousands of lives are lost each year due to drunk, drugged, or distracted driving, and these numbers don’t even take into account the harm done to families and friends who are left behind.

Each year a proclamation is made declaring December to be National Impaired Driving Prevention month to raise awareness of the devastating effect this problem has on our nation, and to help highlight the steps we can take to prevent it.

In this year’s proclamation, President Obama urges families to “talk about the risks and set clear expectations” for their children in terms of avoiding driving impaired or riding with a driver who might be impaired.

The President’s proclamation underlines the key truth that by, “making responsible decisions and taking appropriate measures” we can prevent the consequences of impaired driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has these tips to help ensure everyone’s safety this holiday season:

  • If your plans involve alcohol, plan ahead for a safe way home.  Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash. Designate a sober driver, Give the Gift of a Designated Driver®, or arrange another safe way home.
  • If you’ve been drinking or are dependent for a ride from someone who has been drinking, use a taxi instead, or call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.
  • If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Your actions may save someone’s life.
  • Always buckle up, drive with caution, and don’t hesitate to call 911 to report a suspected drunk driver.  Just because you made the right decision to drive sober, others on the road may not have.

A taxi is a far cheaper fare to pay than the cost of your or another person’s injury or death.  Exercise good judgment, drive safely, and have a happy holiday!

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