December is National Impaired Driving Awareness Month. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol impaired driver every day.
Learn more about impaired driving and measures that can help prevent injuries and deaths from alcohol impaired driving.
The terms impaired driving and driving under the influence (DUI) can be used interchangeably. DUI is operating a vehicle while one’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the legal limit, which is the level that a person can not drive safely. Every state has set .08 percent BAC as the legal limit for DUI or driving while impaired (DWI). It is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. Although even a small amount of alcohol can affect one’s driving ability.
An individual’s BAC is measured with a breathalyzer, a device that measures the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath or by a blood test. The penalties for being getting caught while under the influence depends on prior records and the level of alcohol in blood. After a person is charged of DUI, first time offenders may be required to attend AA meetings, or a breathalyzer may be attached to their car’s ignition to prevent the car from starting when they have consumed alcohol.
Alcohol, drugs and driving do not go together. Driving requires a person’s full attention and ability to make decisions, react to changes and operate behind the wheel. When drinking alcohol or using drugs, driving becomes dangerous and potentially fatal.
Alcohol is a substance that reduces the function of the brain, muscle coordination, reasoning and impaired thinking. All of these capabilities are essential to driving a vehicle safely. As one’s BAC level rises, the negative effects happen to the central nervous system (CNS). Alcohol is a depressant, which causes anything transmitting to our brains to slow down.
The CDC categorizes how alcohol consumption and BAC can impact judgement, behavior, physiology and driving ability:
STANDARD DRINK SIZE
A standard drink is equal to six ounces of pure alcohol. The amount of pure alcohol is found in:
If you drive while impaired, you could get arrested or be involved in a crash that causes serious injury or death to you or other drivers. Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. These are all preventable crashes. There are steps one can take to prevent drunk driving:
Law enforcement says there are several signs associated with drunk driving. These are signs to avoid a dangerous situation and detect drunk drivers:
Calling 911 can pull over and report drivers you suspect to be under the influence.
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, Ascension Recovery Services can help. December is Impaired Driving Awareness Month. It is important to the know the risks of DUI.
Ascension Recovery Services is a team of experts and specialists with years of experience working to support individuals struggling with addiction and their families.
If you need help, contact us at 304-241-4585.