#United States #New York #impaired driving #National Road Safety Foundation #New Year's

The Perils of Holiday Driving: A Call for Caution

As the end of the year approaches, many Americans are preparing to celebrate the holiday season with family gatherings and festivities. However, this joyful time is also notorious for being one of the most dangerous periods on the roads. Each year, the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) promotes safe driving practices to mitigate the surge in accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities that often escalate during this time.

In a recent statement from the NRSF, the director of operations, Michelle Anderson, highlighted that the spike in traffic incidents is largely attributed to impaired driving. Factors such as alcohol, drugs, and fatigue become prevalent during holiday celebrations, putting everyone at risk on the roads. Studies show that more than 13,000 fatalities in 2022 alone were linked to alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for approximately 31% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. December is particularly deadly, with holiday festivities contributing to a notable rise in drunk-driving incidents.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Anderson encourages drivers to plan their transportation ahead of time to ensure safety. "Having a designated driver ready for parties and gatherings is crucial," she advises. Even guests can contribute to safety by voicing concerns if they sense that a driver is impaired or reckless. This proactive approach can prevent what should be a joyful time from turning tragic.

The statistics paint a grim picture: young adults aged 21 to 24 have the highest rate of alcohol use in fatal crashes. Furthermore, studies show that male drivers are almost four times as likely as their female counterparts to drive under the influence.

The financial repercussions of impaired driving are yet another layer that heightens the stakes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these crashes impose an annual cost of over $58 billion in property damage, medical bills, and lost work time. This financial burden includes legal penalties, which can exceed $10,000 after fines, attorney fees, and heightened insurance premiums.

The Role of Prescription Drugs

Aside from alcohol, other impairing substances, both legal and illegal, exacerbate the danger. Even in states that permit marijuana use, driving under its influence remains illegal. The same caution applies to prescription medications that can induce drowsiness or impairment; drivers must always check labels for potential side effects that may affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Recognizing Drowsy Driving

Fatigue is a significant contributor to holiday-related crashes, prompting the NRSF to remind drivers to stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness. Indicators include:

• - Difficulty concentrating or frequent blinking.
• - Daydreaming and loss of memory regarding the drive.
• - Nodding off or experiencing head snaps.
• - Taking notice of drifting out of lanes or hitting rumble strips.

If these symptoms occur, it is essential to find a safe spot to stop and recharge. Consuming caffeinated snacks or taking a brief nap can be effective solutions, as the stimulant effects of caffeine typically take about 30 minutes to kick in.

Common strategies such as cranking up the radio or rolling down windows may not combat fatigue effectively.

Resources and Support

The NRSF offers a range of free resources aimed at combating impaired and drowsy driving. These include a self-assessment quiz for drowsiness, alongside guidelines addressing how passengers can voice concerns about unsafe driving. Resources are available on their website at www.nrsf.org/resources.

For over six decades, the NRSF has dedicated itself to promoting safe driving behaviors through education. They produce various educational materials about a multitude of road safety issues, including distracted driving, speed management, and pedestrian safety. Furthermore, they engage youth through initiatives like the annual teen video contest, Drive2Life, which promotes positive driving behaviors among peers.

In this holiday season, let us all commit to ensuring that our celebrations do not come at the cost of road safety. Planning ahead, being vigilant, and speaking out can transform our roadways into safer environments for all. This is a time for joy, and we can all do our part to ensure it remains that way.