December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Each year, more than 10,000 people have lost their lives due to impaired driving in the US.  

Nobody thinks it could happen to them, or their loved ones, until it does.  

This number does not include the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, best friends, friends, witnesses- adults and children, police officers, first responders, and community members that are left to process the event. It does not include the long-term effects, such as severe trauma, grief, depression, stress, financial strain, and PTSD that often occur with these preventable losses. It does not include the ripple effects of tragedy and suffering in countless hearts impacted by the single decision to drive under the influence. 

How can we prevent driving under the influence? 

1. Remember the innocent victims, and honor their memory by personally reaffirming our commitment to deciding to drive sober, and ensure others do the same. 

1. Acknowledge that not only alcohol, but also illicit drugs, as well as some over the counter prescription medications, and texting, impair our motor coordination to the degree of not being able to safely operate a motor vehicle. 

1. If you know an individual with a substance use disorder, encourage proper treatment. 

If you feel different, you drive different.