Impaired Driving
Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is ILLEGAL.
Alcohol and drugs impair your motor coordination and reaction time – both of which are necessary to operate a vehicle safely.
If You Feel Different, You Drive Different - Drive High, Get a DUI.
Drug-impaired driving is impaired driving. Legally prescribed or illegal, if you feel different, you drive different. Marijuana usage has doubled among drivers killed by crashes in the U.S. Do not add to the statistic by driving impaired.
Be Responsible. Have A Plan.
If you have been drinking or engaged in drug activities or a party environment, do not drive. Follow these tips for a safe way to end your day:
- Designate a sober, safe driver to drive you home
- Use SafeRide apps such as Uber, Lyft, taxis, etc.
- Be a good host. Offer non-alcoholic beverages and make sure everyone leaves with a safe ride. Remember, you can always hide someone’s keys. They get angry? Probably proof you’re making the right decision.
- ALWAYS wear your seat belt.
See something? Say Something. Call 9-1-1 and keep a safe distance.
How to detect impaired drivers:
- Weaving, swerving, or drifting the center line
- Driving at a very slow speed or stopping without cause
- Braking erratically or illegally
- Driving after dark with headlights off
We Save Lives - Reflections from Inside
The Weed Advisor
When Drinking Alcohol
- Be responsible.
- Choose a designated driver. Decide who's going to be doing the driving before you go out, and make sure that person doesn't drink any alcoholic beverages.
- Call a taxi. Sometimes even the designated driver slips. If nobody in your group is sober, take alternate transportation. Cab, train, bus, horse and buggy – anything's better than getting in the car with a drunk driver.
- Hide keys. Don't be afraid to take someone's car keys. If the person gets angry, it's probably proof you're doing the right thing.
When Throwing a Party
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages. Water, juice, soda pop – give your guests plenty of alternatives. And never pressure guests to drink alcohol.
- Serve plenty of food. A full stomach can slow the rate of alcohol absorption. Serve a great meal or have plenty of appetizers on hand.
- Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends. Give your guests an extra hour or two without alcohol before they head out the door.
- Arrange alternate transportation. Pay attention to your guests' alcohol intake and behavior. If someone has had a lot to drink or seems even the slightest bit tipsy, call a cab or set up a ride with a sober driver.
- Never serve minors.
Detecting Drunk Drivers
Law enforcement officials say there are several signs associated with drunk driving:
- Making wide turns
- Weaving, swerving, drifting, or straddling the center line
- Almost striking an object or vehicle
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving at a very slow speed
- Stopping without cause
- Braking erratically
- Responding slowly to traffic signals
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Driving after dark with headlights off
Keeping these things in mind can help you avoid a dangerous situation. If you spot what you think is an impaired driver, keep a safe distance and call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to stop the vehicle yourself.
Updated: 10/18/2021 01:44PM