National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

This time of year brings about holiday cheer and the reunion of family and friends. It is a time of joy, fun and celebration. In lieu of the holiday season, December has become an important month for other reasons as well. It is also drunk and drugged driving prevention month. Around the holidays, bars and restaurants are busier, parties are attended, and drinking is encouraged. Because of this, December is the month chosen for awareness towards drunk and drugged driving prevention.

It is common knowledge that drunk driving is common around this time of year, but drugged driving is a new concept for some. Like drunk driving, drugged driving presents extreme and deadly risk for everyone on the road. In 2010, 1 in 3 drivers who were killed in a motor vehicle crash tested positive for illicit or prescription drugs. Everyone at Ambrosia Treatment Center joins the staff and administrator David Strickland of the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) in observing prevention this month and working to stop drunk and drugged driving all year.

Because December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, it is a time to bring awareness towards the consequences of drunk and/or drugged driving and preventative ways to avoid these consequences in the future. A few important tips geared toward preventing fatalities and accidents this December (and always) are 1) designate a sober and responsible driver before parties and celebrations begin 2) never serve anyone underage 3) plan parties that provide non-alcoholic beverages and refrain from serving alcohol for the last few hours of the party and 4) be prepared to help people get home if need be.

The idea behind making December the month of drunk and drugged driving awareness is meant to deter people from taking part in risky activities that would lead to drunk and drugged driving. December is the month with the highest amount of drunk and drugged driving incidents. To show your support, avoid both driving and letting friends and family drive under the influence. Also, displaying a red ribbon (the symbol of substance abuse prevention) on your vehicle will shown support for drug awareness. We ask you to turn your attention to preventing drunk and drugged driving accidents and plan ahead this December, and always.

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month