The Dangers of Impaired Driving: Protecting Our Communities
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S. were due to alcohol-impaired drivers |1|
Driving under the influence of substances—whether alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs—is illegal and poses a serious danger to everyone on the road. Impaired driving affects a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, increasing the risk of crashes, injury, and death. Despite widespread awareness, impaired driving continues to claim lives every day, making it a critical issue for communities to address.
Approximately every 45 minutes, someone loses their life in an alcohol-impaired driving crash. It is not known how many people are killed each year in crashes involving drug-impaired drivers due to limited data available, however, a study using data collected at seven trauma centers of 4,243 drivers who were seriously injured in crashes between 2019-21 found that more than half tested positive for drugs and/or alcohol. |2| These crashes take a significant toll on families and communities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC), in 2020:
62% of those who died in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers were the drivers themselves.
38% were passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians.
In Maine, the problem is particularly concerning. In 2022, the state saw 4.5 alcohol-impaired driving deaths per 100,000 people, underscoring the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
Prevention Starts with Each of Us
There are many ways we can all contribute to preventing impaired driving. Whether you're a driver, a passenger, or a concerned friend, here are some practical steps to help reduce the risk:
Don’t let friends drive while impaired: Intervene if someone you know is about to drive under the influence or alcohol or drugs.
Have a plan to call a friend, family member; or use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft.
Don’t ride with an impaired driver: Designate a non-drinking, unimpaired driver. Always prioritize your safety and find an alternative ride if needed.
Host responsibly: If you’re throwing a party where alcohol is served, remind guests to plan ahead and make sure everyone has a safe way to get home. If you have the space, encourage guests who plan to consume alcohol to spend the night.
If you’re hosting a gathering or event where alcohol may be consumed, provide beverage alternatives to your guests. A quick online search can provide many festive, non-alcoholic drink options, including easy D-I-Y recipes.
Provide snacks, water, and entertainment or activities that don’t involve alcohol.
Check medications: Be aware of the effects of prescription and OTC medications that could impair your ability to drive.
Always wear a seatbelt: Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, seatbelts save lives.
Offer support: If someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, encourage them to seek help.
Remember it is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages if you are under age 21. It’s also against the law to provide alcohol -or to knowingly allow underage drinking in your home or on your property - to anyone under age 21. Those who do may be fined and/or charged with a crime.
Healthy Acadia’s substance use prevention team urges community members to take personal responsibility this holiday season by making a plan for a safe ride home before your celebrations begin. Please help keep our roads and our communities safe this holiday season, and every day.
For more information:
Maine Substance Use Prevention
CDC Impaired Driving- Facts, Prevention, and Strategies
Maine Opioids Misuse Prevention
Maine Alcohol Misuse Prevention
References
|1| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Traffic Safety Facts 2020 Data: Alcohol-Impaired Driving (Report No DOT HS 813 294). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Center for Statistics and Analysis; April 2022.
|2| Thomas FD, Darrah J, Graham L, Berning A, Blomberg R, Finstad K, Griggs C, Crandall M, Schulman C, Kozar R, Lai J, Mohr N, Chenoweth J, Cunningham K, Babu K, Dorfman J, Van Heukelom J, Ehsani J, Fell J, Whitehill J, Brown T, Moore C. Alcohol and Drug Prevalence Among Seriously or Fatally Injured Road Users (Report No. DOT HS 813 399) [PDF – 73 pages]. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Behavioral Safety Research. December 2022.