December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Health and Wellness Center
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  "You Don't Drink and Drive - You Win.........You Drink & Drive - You Lose"

Every day is "the day" to recognize the importance of preventing driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs! Since 1981 every President of the United States has demonstrated his commitment to preventing impaired driving by striving to increase public awareness and prevention and supporting public and private sector organizations committed to preventing crashes caused by impaired driving. As a result, the Air Force recognizes December's Health Observance as "National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month."

Each year, thousands of Americans lose their lives in crashes involving drunk and drugged driving. During 3D Prevention Month we need to emphasize the dangers of driving under the influence, provide prevention strategies and remind everyone in the Whiteman Community - to never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Everyone who drives is affected by people driving under the influence, not just those in the impaired driver's car. Every 30 minutes, nearly 50 times a day, someone dies in America in an alcohol-related crash. In 2005, alcohol related motor vehicle crashes resulted in 16,885 deaths in the United States, accounting for 39% of the total traffic fatalities for the year.

During the same year, nearly 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. That's less than 1% of the 159 million self reported episodes of alcohol impaired driving among U.S. adults each year. Young men ages
18 - 20 (under the legal drinking age) reported driving while impaired more frequently than any other age group.

According to the Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel (2005), military personnel were significantly more likely to drink heavily than were their civilian counterparts (16.1% vs. 12.9%). The same survey showed that heavy drinkers were nearly twice as likely to report driving a vehicle after having too much to drink (33.2%) compared with moderate/heavy drinkers (18.1%) and nearly five times more likely as light drinkers (7.1%). Heavy drinkers were also more likely to ride in a car with someone who had too much to drink.

Exploring the impact on a more local level - so far this year at Whiteman AFB we have had 27 incidents of individuals Driving Under the Influence and 32 cases of Under Aged Drinking.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. Keep in mind that your only defense against an impaired driver is to avoid driving between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am, particularly on the weekends and be sure that you always wear a seat belt.

Much of the tragic results of driving under the influence could be prevented by following a few simple precautions:

Always plan ahead - identify a designated sober driver before the holiday party or celebration begins. 

Don't even think about getting behind the wheel of any motor vehicle if you have been drinking alcohol.

If you are impaired - call, or ask someone to call a taxi, AADD, or get a friend who is not under the influence of alcohol or other drugs to come and pick you up.

If appropriate and safe - stay where you are until you are sober. 

Remember - Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. 

If you are hosting or planning a party this holiday season - remind your guests to plan ahead (on the invitation) and designate a sober driver; always offer and encourage people to drink alcohol-free beverages during the event and serve food....not just drinks; and make sure every one of your guests leave with a sober driver!

Everyone has an important role in preventing drunk and drugged driving and we should work together and discuss the related dangers at home with our families, friends and on-the-job with our co-workers. Remember - during the holiday season, it's especially important to encourage, emphasize and promote responsible drinking and safe driving to help ensure the health and safety of our friends and loved ones.

Be safe and have a very healthy and happy holiday season!