I have been a supporter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) for several years now. It is exciting that now thirty states have in place some kind of ignition interlock legislation, Minnesota included. These are life-saving devices, commonly called in-car breathalyzers, used for DUI offenders. In the past year alone, these ignition interlocks prevented 955 drunk driving attempts EVERY TEN MINUTES!! In several states, these interlocks are mandatory for a certain amount of time for convicted DUI offenders to regain driving privileges.
In some states, they even go the extra mile and provide programs to help offenders to get their lives back on track. MADD has been very instrumental in urging these states to push for stronger drunk driving laws. We can do our part too. There are certain things to watch for in spotting a driver who is driving impaired:
* Driving a car too fast or too slow
* Swerving or crossing the center line
* Responding slowly to traffic signals
* Almost striking an object
* Driving with headlights off at night
If you see someone driving suspiciously, there are some things that you can do to help protect yourself and others:
* Stay as far away from the car in question as possible
* Do not try to pass
* Pull over and call 911
The scary statistics are proof that this is not a problem we can ignore:
* 2 out of 3 people will be affected by a drunk driving crash in their lifetime
* Every 12 SECONDS someone will be injured in a drunk driving crash
* 28 people are KILLED in drunk driving crashes every day
Even drinking one beer can make you sleepy. So it is important to NEVER drink any alcohol while driving is your responsibility.
We need to avoid any risky driving behaviors. Distracted driving and drug-impaired driving can be as dangerous as driving drunk. Even prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs can prevent us from focusing on the road. Staying alert is extremely important, and the following things can help us do that:
* Read the warnings about driving on any medication that you are taking
* Stop frequently to stretch, eat or drink, and even return phone messages
* Change drivers if you even begin to feel drowsy. If you are alone, pull over for a needed rest.
* Ignore the phone. Pull over if you are driving and need to talk.
Please stay safe in this busy summer time of going here and there. Happiness to you as we move into August, our last official month of summer. Enjoy!!
lbeerman68@gmail.com
