National Impaired Driving Prevention Month by Stephanie Amundson, Staff Therapist
Each day, around 28 people die in drunk-driving accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The interactions of alcohol and drugs on the driving skills are well known and proven. Alcohol affects the neuropsychic functions, interacting with sensory-motor and behavioral functions resulting in alterations of visual perception, reaction times, ability to concentration and judgment. The neurotoxic action of drugs leads to stimulation effects, depression, hallucinatory phenomena, and consequent impairment of driving performance (2). Road traffic crashes are one of the global public health concerns and remain at high priority in many countries. Driving under the influence of drugs increases the risk of crashes through altering the driver’s mental state and reactions (1). According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in the year 2021, there have been 1,159 fatalities due to car crashes involving impaired driving (3).
In response to these shocking statistics and facts, we’re asking everyone to take personal responsibility this holiday season by planning for a safe ride home before your celebrations begin. Designate a non-drinking, unimpaired driver. Take a taxi, a bus, or a train. Use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft.
References:
Renzi, F., Reitano, E., Franca, D., Chiara, O., & Cimbanassi, S. (2021). Trauma, alcohol and drugs misuse in car and motorcycle drivers: a prevalence study in a level one trauma center. Updates in surgery, 1-8.
Movig KLL, Mathijssen MPM, Nagel PHA, Chu WY, Huang C, Liu S et al (2004) Psychoactive substance use and the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Accid Anal Prev 13(1):36–42.
