Prevention First proudly recognizes and supports National Impaired Driving Prevention Month throughout December. This annual observance serves as a crucial reminder to drivers about the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel. The holiday season often brings celebrations, gatherings, and increased travel, making it crucial to address the issue of impaired driving. By raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, we can help prevent accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
Impaired driving is the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or another substance. On average, three in five people will be involved in a crash due to impaired driving in their lifetime. Impaired driving is entirely preventable. Know the facts and talk with others about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Every day, about 800 people are injured in a drunk-driving crash.
- Every day in America, another 29 people die as a result of drunk-driving crashes. That’s one person every 50 minutes.
- In 4 out of 7 states that legalized recreational cannabis, deaths from car crashes rose 10%, according to a University of Illinois Chicago study.
Traffic crashes are a leading cause of teen fatalities. In a survey of residents in select large U.S. cities, 86 percent reported concerns about impaired driving, and almost two-thirds of respondents wanted
officials to prioritize action to stop impaired driving.
Karel Homrig, Chief Executive Officer of Prevention First, states, “National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2021 alone, approximately 30 percent of fatalities in Illinois were from impaired driving crashes. By working collaboratively, we can significantly reduce these incidents and protect the lives of our fellow Illinois residents.”
Parents and caregivers may face even more pressure during the holidays, as many young people are home from school on break and eager to gather with their peers in a social setting. Help your young people socialize safely by:
- Discussing the dangers of underage alcohol and substance use—especially when combined with driving—and set expectations for your child’s behavior. SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign, including its new mobile app, helps parents and caregivers start these conversations.
- Sharing resources designed for youth that communicate the facts and consequences, like Underage Drinking: Myths vs. Facts and the Tips for Teens series.
- Setting curfews if youth go to a party and offering to drive or pick them up. Even if your teen abstains from alcohol, he or she may have a hard time saying “no thanks” to a peer driver who is drinking.
- Coordinating with their friends’ parents about driving plans and maintaining substance-free environments at parties. Read the Youth Prevention Resource Center Traffic Safety Hero Challenge Impaired Driving Guide for additional information.
Prevention First is committed to working with local communities, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to address this issue head-on. Through evidence-based programs and initiatives, we strive to empower individuals, especially young people, to make informed decisions and understand the consequences of impaired driving.