Happy Holiday Season! We all look forward to getting together with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. This is a time when prevention plays an essential role. Holidays can be dangerous times on the roads. Christmas and New Year’s Eve, two of the most celebrated days of the year, are among the most unsafe days. The week between these two holidays is when many celebrations are added to the calendar. Impaired driving can be deadly. December is recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Impairment actually begins with the first drink. Alcohol-impaired driving crashes range from being under the influence of substances to distracted driving to speeding. These instances increase significantly throughout December when more people are traveling. About 10,000 lives are lost each year due to traffic fatalities from alcohol impairment.
According to County Health Rankings, in 2022, 16% of all fatal car crashes in Wayne County involved alcohol. While many campaigns address driving under the influence of just alcohol, it is important to note that many substances can impair driving, including opioids, marijuana, or even prescription drugs. These substances may cause drowsiness, alter visual functions, and affect mental judgement and motor skills. Fatigue and stress can also impair your ability to drive. Safe rides save lives, and we are all responsible for each other.
As you gather this holiday season, educate yourself and others on the risks of impaired driving and take steps to stay safe. Before taking your first drink, have a plan that includes a designated driver, ride share options or an overnight stay at a friend or family member’s home. Just one drink can cause a decline in visual function, mental judgement, and motor skills, resulting in impairment. Remember, your coordination and reaction time are slowed long before you may show signs of intoxication. Each of us has the power to prevent a tragedy and ensure that we all have a safe holiday season.
The Wayne County Recovery Coalition (WCRC), Anchored, and Share Health Southeast Georgia wish you a happy holiday season and wants you to celebrate safely as we enter 2024!
For more information about WCRC, visit our website at https://waynecountyrecovery.com/ or contact our Project Coordinator, Renee Bolin, at reneebolin@waynecountyrecovery.com. Happy Holidays!