No matter how diligent you are on the road, you can’t predict or control other drivers. One of the biggest threats to the safety of you and your family is Drunk Driving. Despite harsher penalties and strides in education, car accidents involving impaired drivers cost an estimated $44 billion dollars per yer and will affect 2 out of 3 people at some point in their lifetime.
With those kind of numbers, prevention seems to be the best weapon against becoming a statistic. The advice from a drinking and driving perspective is don’t do it, period, full stop. There are too many programs in place that are designed to keep you and others safe on the road, and nothing is worth risking lives and property. Many local police departments will provide a free ride, no questions asked, as will some cab companies. There really is no reason to drink and drive at all.
What About the Rest of Us?
There is an accident involving drugs or alcohol every two minutes, and every 51 minutes someone is killed. As we said before, you have no control over another driver, but you can take some steps to keep yourself and your family safer. First of all, don’t get into a car with someone who has been drinking and allow them to drive. Take their keys, offer to share a cab or get behind he wheel yourself.
You can never tell if another person on the road has been drinking or using drugs. The sad fact is that the average impaired driver has made it home by providence an average of 80 times before they’re caught; only about 2% of dunk drivers on the road are actually caught and arrested before they do damage. That’s why defensive driving and awareness are so important.
Defensive Driving Tips That Might Save Your Life
If you notice someone who seems to be driving erratically, try to get their license plate number and alert your local road assistance, state police or city LEO. Try to drop back so that your vehicle is not in their destructive path, pull over until they pass, or turn off onto another street or into a parking lot. It’s also a good idea to be cautious at intersections, which is where many traffic accidents occur.
Using your personal safety equipment will help reduce injury or death of you can’t avoid a collision. Make sure your seat belt is on and properly engaged, keep brakes in good repair and put your children in age-appropriate restraints. Avoid driving at might, especially on weekends, and on holidays unless you absolutely have to.
Every day, 28 people are killed in drunk or impaired driving accidents. Following these tips could keep you or someone you love from becoming one of them.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind