During the holiday season, many of us look forward to seeing friends and family. Unfortunately, the holidays can also be a dangerous time for alcohol- and drug-related traffic accidents. SAMHSA is taking notice National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in December to raise awareness of this deadly but preventable problem.
Since the early 1980s, public policy changes, school and community interventions, and grassroots advocacy have significantly reduced alcohol-related driving deaths. However, impaired driving (from alcohol or other drugs) continues to take lives.
- About 30 percent of all traffic deaths in the United States involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in a crash in which at least one driver has an alcohol problem. That’s one person every 45 minutes.1,2
- 56 percent of drivers who are seriously injured or killed in a crash tested positive for at least one drug, according to preliminary data from an ongoing study. 3,4
Alcohol, Other Drugs and Medicines
We know a lot about how alcohol affects the ability to drive — affecting our vision, reaction times, judgment and ability to multitask. Driving under the influence of other drugs can be just as deadly. 5,6
- Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. If there is a warning on the drug about “operating heavy machinery”, which includes driving a vehicle.
- Marijuana can slow reaction time, impair judgment of time and distance, and decrease coordination.
- Opioids can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function.
- Cocaine and methamphetamines can lead to aggressive and reckless driving.
It is illegal everywhere in the United States to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or any drug that may adversely affect you. 7
- This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Even in states where marijuana laws have changed, it is still illegal to drive under the influence of this drug.
What can you do
We all want to celebrate safely. That starts with renewing our commitment to sober driving and supporting our loved ones and our communities to do the same. Only one drink (or substance) can affect a person’s driving.
- If you are attending a gathering where alcohol or other substances will be served, plan ahead to get home safely.
- You can appoint a sober driver or arrange a taxi or transport (to and from your destination).
- Talk to your friends and family ahead of time about impaired driving prevention planning.
- Do not let others behind the wheel if they are under the influence.
- Take their keys and arrange a sober ride home or let them stay the night.
- If you host a party where alcohol or other substances will be served:
- Ask your guests to make a plan to get home safely.
- Offer alcohol-free drinks.
- Make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and contact local law enforcement.
For the children in your life
Talk to your kids about impaired driving.
- Let them know:
- It is never okay to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while under the influence.
- Getting into a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs is dangerous.
- Help children plan an exit strategy to avoid accepting a ride from someone under the influence.
Resources:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers information and advice on drink and drug impaired driving.
- of NHTSA traffic safety marketing website offers campaigns (with social media books, graphics, newsletters, newsletters, etc.) on alcohol and drug impaired driving, including holiday content throughout the year.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) proposes legislation, technology and testing to prevent alcohol and drug-impaired driving.
- SAMHSA’s “Implementation of policies at community level to prevent alcohol abuse” (November 2022) is an evidence-based resource guide that provides alcohol abuse prevention policies, implementation examples, and health equity issues.
- Driving problems: Talk to your kids (PDF | 417 KB). This fact sheet (from SAMHSA’s Talk. They Hear You.® campaign) provides tips for talking to children, including helping them create an exit plan for a dangerous situation.
- of SAMHSA Communities Discussion includes an update on impaired driving by young drivers during the holidays.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides referrals to local treatment, support groups and resources. It is confidential and free, for individuals or families dealing with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Call 24/7 at 800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 800-487-4889.
- Some of us experience the holiday blues. For anyone who is having suicidal thoughts, is worried about a friend or loved one, or needs emotional support, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
This holiday season—and year-round—we each play a role in preventing impaired driving and its tragic consequences. Sober driving is a gift we can each give ourselves and each other.
1National Road Safety Agency. Drunk driving. Retrieved on www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving on November 15, 2022.
2National Center for Statistics and Analysis (2022, April). Alcohol-impaired driving: 2020 data (Traffic Safety Data. DOT HS Reference Number 813 294). National Road Safety Agency. (PDF | 541 KB)
3National Road Safety Agency. Drug impaired driving. Retrieved on www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving on November 15, 2022.
4 Office of Behavioral Safety Research. (2021, June). Update on Special Reports on Road Safety During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Fourth Quarter Data (DOT Reference No. HS 813 135). National Road Safety Agency.
5 National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services. (2019, December). Drugged Driving DrugFacts. Retrieved on on November 15, 2022.
6National Road Safety Agency. Drug impaired driving. Retrieved on www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving on November 15, 2022.
7 National Road Safety Agency. Drug impaired driving. Retrieved from www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving on November 15, 2022.
