By Presidential Proclamation, December has been designated National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month. During this season of cheer and holiday parties, the public is always urged to exercise caution before getting behind the wheel as there are serious consequences to impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drunk and drugged driving accounts for someone dying in the United States approximately every 30 minutes.
The National Day Calendar warns, “Remember, you are committing the crime of impaired driving whenever your ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by effects of illegal drugs, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher.” The U.S. Department of Justice suggests the following tips to avoid driving drunk or drugged:
- Designate a sober driver (or use a rideshare service or taxi)
- Host a party at home
- Hold friends and family accountable
Before taking any medication, ask your healthcare provider how it may affect you and if it could impair your abilities to operate a motor vehicle. To schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Sources: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/blog/december-drunk-and-drugged-driving-prevention-month
https://nationaltoday.com/national-drunk-and-drugged-driving-prevention-month/