December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

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The holiday season is the time of the year when drunk, drugged and impaired driving accidents are most prevalent. Drug and alcohol use impair judgment, delay reaction times and can result in deadly consequences when driving.

American Alliance Drug Testing (AADT) wants to remind everyone that December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Most people would never imagine that their holiday celebration could result in the loss on one’s license, imprisonment or worse – fatalities, but the risks associated with driving while impaired are very real and can result in tragic consequences for everyone involved.

Here are a few simple tips for celebrating and driving safely this holiday season:

  • Designate a non-drinking driver ahead of time.
  • If drinking alcohol at a party or other celebration, allow at least one hour between drinks. It takes one hour to get rid of one drink from your body (1 drink is equal to a 12-oz beer, 5-oz glass of wine or 1½-oz shot of liquor).
  • Set limits beforehand of the number of drinks to have and stick with it.
  • Alternate drinking alcoholic beverages with soda, juice or water and eat food.
  • Don’t mix alcohol with other drugs, including over-the-counter and prescription medications.
  • Don’t ride with someone who is impaired. Use other means of transportation such as a taxi, public transportation or driver who is sober.