Make Driving Sober Your New Year’s Resolution

The new year feels like a fresh start, a time for us to focus on ways we can improve our lives. Coming after a festive period of indulgence, a lot of people consider improving their diet, increasing their exercise, or cutting back on alcohol. Whatever you do in the name of self-improvement, be sure you make one crucial resolution in the name of safety: never drive impaired. 

In 2023 there were 10,511 alcohol-related driving fatalities in the US. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone in the US dies in a drunk driving crash every 39 minutes. All of these deaths are completely preventable. The choices you make this year can save a life.

Even a small amount of alcohol can lower your alertness and affect your judgement. As soon as you feel the slightest buzz, your driving could be altered. You are considered legally impaired with a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.08, but even at much lower levels you may have reduced coordination, lowered visual function, and not as much ability to multitask. 

Impairment isn’t just about alcohol – other drugs can have a detrimental effect on your ability to drive. Some people think that if a medication is prescribed to them, it is safe to drive while using it. Look at your prescription bottle. Is there a warning about not operating heavy machinery? They’re not just talking about bulldozers – cars are heavy machinery too. Any medication with possible side effects of drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or nausea can impair your ability to safely drive. You might know that prescription pain medicines or sleeping pills can be hazardous while driving, but some allergy medicine, cough syrup, antidepressants, anxiety medication, or even diet pills can also affect you. Medications can affect people differently, too, so make sure you know what yours do to you before you drive.

It should go without saying that you should never drive after using illegal drugs. A 2022 study by NHTSA showed that almost 56 percent of people injured or killed in roadway accidents tested positive for one or more drugs. The most prevalent was cannabis – about 25 percent had THC in their system. With the prevalence of prescribed medical cannabis there are more and more people driving under the influence. Remember, even if it is prescribed to you, cannabis is a drug that can alter your perception and reaction time, making you a hazard behind the wheel.

It is vital to think about it now – while you are sober – to help you make good choices later when you have had a drink or two. You might feel like you’re fine to drive, but remember that one of the symptoms of impairment is the inability to realize that you are impaired. Plan ahead of time to have a designated driver, or use a ride share. Resolve now to never get behind the wheel if there is any chance of impairment. If you do, you could lose your license, your freedom, or even your life.