SE Texas Times

The month of December has been designated as National Impaired Driving Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America's roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.

"One of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America's roadways due to an increase in impaired driving." - National Association of Drug Court Professionals

Impaired driving, which includes drunk and drugged driving, leads to the loss of over 10,000 American lives each year, accounting for nearly a third of all traffic deaths. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reported that during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day in 2019, 210 lives were lost due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes.

"In 2019 during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, 210 lives were lost due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes." - National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA)

Impaired driving can be caused by the effects of illegal drugs, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher.

"Accidents caused by driving under the influence are preventable." - National Impaired Driving Awareness Month

To prevent accidents caused by impaired driving, it is important to plan ahead. Designating a sober driver and arranging for an alternative route home are crucial steps to ensure everyone's safety. It is also important for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends to have conversations with their loved ones about the importance of being responsible and staying safe.

"Always plan ahead. Designate a sober driver and arrange for an alternative route home just in case." - National Impaired Driving Awareness Month

Hosting a party? Make sure to offer non-alcoholic options for drinks to your guests, allowing them to enjoy the festivities without compromising their safety.

"Always offer a non-alcoholic option for drinks for your guests so they can still have a good time eating and drinking with everyone else." - National Impaired Driving Awareness Month

By practicing prevention and taking these simple steps, each individual has the power to prevent a tragedy and ensure the safety of their communities during the holiday season.

"If we practice prevention to keep ourselves and our communities safe, the holidays can be full of the joy we expect them to be." - National Impaired Driving Awareness Month

To learn more about National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and access additional resources, visit their official website. The National Safety Council and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are also valuable resources for learning about impaired driving statistics and prevention strategies.

"If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office." - State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

National Impaired Driving Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible and safe driving practices. By staying vigilant and making responsible choices, we can help reduce the number of impaired driving incidents and ensure the well-being of ourselves and others on the road.

"By staying vigilant and making responsible choices, we can help reduce the number of impaired driving incidents and ensure the well-being of ourselves and others on the road." - National Impaired Driving Awareness Month

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.electtoddhunter.com/national-impaired-driving-awareness-month-2/