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By Daniela Marquez and Valeria Marquez This December, one of the many fundamental matters we recognize is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. In the words of Robbins B. Stoeckel, “Automobiles are not ferocious...it is man.” The person behind the wheel has total control and all the power to make any mistake. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other illegal substances can cause a great deal of damage and permanently change someone’s life.
Based on the article “December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month” on youth.gov, every year an average of 30 million Americans drive drunk, with a staggering 10 million Americans driving impaired by illicit drugs. Every 50 minutes, a person dies from these accidents. December is considered to be one the happiest months of the year, home to holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah. Since it is such a lively and festive time, roads with impaired drivers increase significantly. Many individuals drink alcohol, too much at times, and do drugs such as marijuana. For example, on December 2010, an average of 25 people were killed per day in drunk driving accidents. According to youth.gov, “December is National Impaired Driving Month,” during this time, drivers from ages 21 to 34 years old under the influence of alcohol were involved in life-threatening car crashes at a higher percentage than any other age group. According to a 2017 study by whitehouse.gov “Presidential Proclamation on National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2018,” a staggering 10,000 people died in car crashes related with alcohol, in the U.S alone. The previous article also mentioned that drivers who are on the road intoxicated with drugs and alcohol undergo decreased “judgement, motor coordination skills, and reaction time.” This places a big risk on passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. According to “December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month” on youth.gov, since 2012, President Obama assigned the holiday season as a time to recognize impaired driving awareness and celebrate safely. Several teams are partnered up to remind people to avoid driving under any influence to prevent life threatening injuries. Various organizations and departments, like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy, U.S. Department of Health, Human Services Substance Abuse, etc. have partnered together to bring an end to the usage of these dangerous substances. Additionally, the goal of the current presidential administration, is to educate communities on the importance of driving sober, according to whitehouse.gov, “Presidential Proclaiment on National Impaired driving Prevention Month, 2018.” It can help avoid deaths and crippled injuries. As a whole, the country must act to protect our loved ones and end senseless casualties.
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