National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 2024: Drive Safe

• Written by Farina Khan

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National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 2024 is here. Indeed! December is the month of festivals, joys, gatherings, and celebrations. But amid this cheer and festivities, there is an urgent reminder that December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month as well - a time to reflect on the dangers of impaired driving, drunk driving, road accident prevention, and commitment to road safety. Stay tuned for a detailed version of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 2024.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 2024: An Overview

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is observed in the month of December with the aim of raising awareness about the risks of impaired driving due to drunk driving and drugged driving. As per the latest data provided by India Status Report on Road Safety 2024 of IIT Delhi, thousands of lives are lost each year due to impaired driving.

While driving, it is always a perception that, ‘it won’t happen to me.’ But the reality is quite different. The accidents caused by the impaired driving affect not just the driver but also the passenger, pedestrians, and other innocent bystanders. A bad decision from one single person can change their lives forever. Keep reading further to know the theme, purpose of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 2024 and how to prevent it.

Understanding Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is not just about drunk driving; However it also includes drugged driving, driving under the influence of medications, or anything else that hampers the ability to drive safely. 

Impaired Driving refers to the driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, illicit drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and Certain over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. Fatigue can also be a cause of impaired driving. Fatigue can be because of any reason including overworking, lack of sleep, or substance use.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 2024:Theme and Purpose

Every year a theme is decided for this day to encourage safe driving. This year is no exception: 

History of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

The history of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month can be traced back to the year 1981 when the US Congress took an initiative to educate the general public about the importance of staying sober while driving. The aim is to take initiatives of drinking and driving awareness month and spreading awareness about law enforcement in the country.

Here is the timeline of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in the USA.

Importance of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

The importance of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month was felt after 13 year old Cari Lightner was killed by Clarence Busch in a drunk driving accident. After his arrest in a drunk driving accident, it came to light that a week earlier he was charged and fined with a hit-and-run drunk driving accident. Cari’s mother took an initiative that resulted into a non-profit organisation - MADD(Mothers Against Drunk Driving). This was the time when drunk driving and drugged driving came to light and led to the changes like minimum age requirement, licence suspension, etc. 

There are several ways in which National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is important. Here are some:

• The importance is to make the general public aware of law enforcement in road safety and traffic safety.
• Highlighting a dedicated time through drinking and driving awareness month.
• Adhering to the strict laws and regulations for accident prevention.
• To strengthen the commitment to reduce accidents and promote road safety.
• Collaborate with law enforcement to implement impaired driving laws strictly.
• The importance of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is to foster empathy and awareness.

How to Celebrate National Impaired Driving Prevention Month?

The main aim to celebrate National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is to spread awareness, accident prevention, and road safety. Here are some important ways to celebrate National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 2024:

• Spread awareness with the help of social media tools about impaired driving and its consequences.
• Share posts, statistics, and personal stories to make the public feel relatable and connected.
• Participate in or organise events that promote road safety and accident prevention.
• Partner with local law enforcement and organise workshops for public health and accident prevention.
• Engage educational institutions in promoting road safety awareness and the importance of celebrating National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

Activities on National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Here are some of the top activities you can include, if organising an event on National Impaired Driving Prevention Month:

• Walks and marathons to raise awareness
• Experts and survivors talk series on road safety
• Awareness programs in educational institutions
• TV, Radio, and social media campaigns for a wider audience
• Candlelight vigil paying tribute to the victims fostering empathy
• Panel discussions and podcasts on traffic safety awareness

Some Facts About National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Check out some of the amazing facts about the National Impaired Driving Prevention Month:

• US 40th president Reagan established National Impaired Driving Prevention Month after losing loved ones in drunk driving.
• Later on adopted by India and other countries with similar initiatives.
• Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft used to partner with NGOs to promote road safety.
• As a pledge for safe driving and accident prevention, the drivers in the USA used to display red ribbons on their vehicles.
• The first campaign about road safety named ‘Designated Driver’ led to a decline of over 50% drunk driving and drugged driving cases in the USA.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month: A Few Tips

Here are some tips to avoid tragedies while driving:

• Plan your things in advance, hire a sober driver, if going for a party or holiday.
• If hosting a party, offer safe transportation options to your guests.
• Consider serving non-alcoholic drinks at parties hosted by you.
• If you notice someone attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol, intervene.
• Spread awareness about the risks and impact of impaired driving.

Try to educate friends and family regarding road safety and law enforcement.

The Final Word!

Preventing impaired driving is not just about avoiding legal troubles or fines; it is about valuing life and understanding the importance of road safety. It is all about ensuring traffic safety and that no family should listen about losing their loved ones because of impaired driving. This December, let’s honour National Impaired Driving Prevention Month with a commitment to make a safer choice. 

Additionally, ensure yourself with a comprehensive insurance plan by Care Health Insurance that provides immediate accidental coverage in case of an emergency. An ideal insurance policy can ensure that policy holders are mentally relaxed and financially protected in case of unforeseen mishaps that too without any waiting period. 

>> Also Read: Harmful Effects of Drinking Alcohol

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