December is meant to raise a strong awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In Ohio in the year 2020, there were over 13,100 crashes due to operating a vehicle impaired (OVI). Deaths from those OVI crashes were at 685 which was higher than in 2019.
Michelle Sams, who has been driving for nearly 40 years, said this when asked about the importance of bringing awareness to drunk driving: “There is an extreme importance due to the death rate rising each and every year. Each month should be drunk driving awareness month and not just in December so that future generations can implement early learning on how to not drink and drive.”
The statistics discussed previously are just in Ohio, which indicates that drunk driving has a great effect on U.S citizens. This also means that there are many families that are being affected by these crashes and deaths each year.
“A lot of families have been affected by drinking and driving both ways. From being hit by a drunk driver or being related to someone who has made the choice to drive while being under the influence. Either way, it impacts the family very much,” said Sams.
The consequences of drunk driving include a DUI conviction. The price of a DUI for a first-time offense is upwards of $10,000. There are also things such as jail time, court fees, medical bills for the injuries, or being forced to use a “party plate” which is a bright color license plate with red lettering that indicates the driver has had multiple DUIs.
“There are ways to prevent drinking and driving,” said Sams. “You could get an Uber, call a Taxi, or have a designated driver.”
Here are some other ways to be responsible when it comes to drinking
- Plan your safe ride home before you start the party; choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
- If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
The effects of blood alcohol concentration can start at .02, which is still below the federal limit, The effects include loss of judgment, muscle coordination decrease, visual impairment, and memory loss.
Protect yourself and others by not drinking and driving.
Nick Thomas
Intern