Impaired driving, drunk driving, driving under the influence or buzzed driving accounts for 1/3 of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2011, nationally, 9,878 people were killed in Drunk Driving Crashes. That amounts to 1 victim every 53 minutes or 27 people every day. Statistics demonstrate that 1 out of 3 people will during their lifetime, be involved in an alcohol related crash.

Alcohol is a depressant because it slows down the functions of the central nervous system. This means that normal brain function is delayed, and a person is unable to function normally. Alcohol affects a person’s information-processing skills, also known as cognitive skills, and hand-eye coordination, also referred to as psychomotor skills. Researchers have found that at a .08 % BAC, the legal limit in NJ for anyone 21 years of age or higher, you are 11 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Prevention is a cooperative effort. We have to make the right choice. Have a pre-set game plan. If we are going out and will be drinking alcoholic beverages we need to arrange other ways of getting home.  We can designate a safe, sober driver. We can call a taxi or car service. We can call a friend or family member for a ride.  

If a friend has been drinking take their keys, don’t let them drive, give them or arrange for them a ride home.  If you see an intoxicated driver call #77 or 9-1-1 to report them before someone gets injured or killed.

Here are some reminders for people who host parties where attendees might be drinking. You can be held liable if someone who attended and drank at your party ends up in a drunk driving crash. Some tips include:

• Have ample food and non-alcoholic beverages available.
• Make sure that all guests have a safe way home. It can be a designated driver, someone picking them up or taxi/car service. Consider allowing a guest to stay if you are willing.
• Have a telephone number for a local taxi company handy and take keys away from anyone who may be thinking of driving after drinking.

The Hero Campaign
http://herocampaign.org

Faces of Drunk Driving
http://www.facesofdrunkdriving.com/

Ride Home 2nite
http://www.empowersomerset.com/ridehome2nite/

Driving While Intoxicated
BAC Chart

New Jersey Laws and penalties
Downlaod the brochure