Opinion : How you can help change December drunk driving statistics

During December, we recognize Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, with a goal of raising awareness about the issue of driving while intoxicated. According to the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, 41% of all traffic crashes are alcohol-related and three out of every 10 Americans have the possibility of being involved in all alcohol-related traffic accident in their lifetime. 36 people die and more than 700 others are injured each day in the US as a result of drunk or drugged driving (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Drinking and driving affects everyone; the cost of alcohol-related crashes in the US is roughly $51 billion.

A majority of these accidents and deaths are a direct result of over consumption of alcohol, or binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as a male who drinks more than five drinks in a sitting, or a female who drinks more than four drinks in a sitting. The frequency of drunk and drugged driving related incidents only increases during the holidays, so here are some helpful hints to prevent tragedy during the holiday season:

· Always designate a driver, whether it’s a friend or a cab.

· Only provide alcohol to people of legal age (21 years of age and older). At all blood alcohol concentrations, the risk of being in a crash is greater for young people (under 21) than for older.

· Host a party at a home instead of a bar or restaurant, to limit the number of people who need to be out on the road. And make sure to offer non-alcoholic beverages for those who chose not to drink.

· Hold your friends and family accountable for their decisions, and educate them on the dangers of driving while impaired.

With your help, we can change the statistics. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

For more information on alcohol and its effects, drunk and drugged driving, or the steps being taken to reduce underage and binge drinking, please contact Jenn Draper, Certified Prevention Specialist at 319-472-2443 or jdraper@asac.us.