MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention month and each year the focus is to increase awareness and prevent occurrences from stealing our most precious resource - our people.
The theme for this years campaign is "Give The Gift Of Life," with the very simple message that drinking and driving is a crime that kills!
Did you know that the number of alcohol related traffic deaths rose for the first time in 5 years? In 2000 the number increased to 16,653 persons killed on Americas' highways - that's a 4 percent increase from 1999. That's one alcohol related death every 33 minutes, 43 deaths per day, 345 deaths per week. It is the equivalent of a large jet crashing each week.
Alcohol related accidents are one of the most frequently committed violent crimes, yet are entirely preventable. Impaired driving is a chronic problem that will affect one in three Americans in their lifetime. More than 308,000 persons were injured in an alcohol related auto accident in 2000 as well.
Alcohol reaches the brain almost immediately after it's consumed. It acts like an anesthetic by deadening the area of the brain that enables people to make sensible decisions, thus impairing judgment. Drinking slows down reflex and response times, and alcohol consumption hinders coordination. Drivers can't react as quickly and are a hazard to themselves and others, as drinking can cause a person to become tired and drowsy. Their alertness decreases and the chances of having an accident increases.
Drinking alcohol can also impair vision, causing drivers to see multiple or blurred images. It reduces the side, or peripheral, vision, making it difficult to see vehicles or people approaching from the left or right.
If you plan to go out, and your celebration includes alcohol consumption, please prepare by having a designated driver, or be prepared to call a taxi to get you home safely.
If you are hosting a party, there are some simple steps you can take in order to make your celebration a complete success. Here are but a few: Alcohol should not be the primary reason for any occasion. Include food with the celebration, never push drinks on guests, and have plenty of non-alcohol drinks on hand. As guests enter the party, take all drivers keys away, so the decision is easy. Designate a driver to get all guests home safely. If alternate transportation is unavailable, consider offering the person a place to sleep.
The Substance Abuse Counseling Center has responsible hosting guides available and ideas for non-alcohol party drinks. Please call 253-5260 or stop by the SACC in Building 411, Room 231.
Join us in celebration of the holiday season and help make it safe and happy. Remember, let's all "Give The Gift Of Life" by saying "NO" to Drinking and Driving and "YES" to safe and sensible holiday celebrations.