TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – As the holiday season approaches, it brings opportunities for celebration, connection, and joy; it is also a time when incidents of drunk driving tend to increase, leading to preventable accidents and tragedies.
USAG Bavaria Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, observed each December, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of making safe and responsible choices, especially when it comes to alcohol and driving.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving:
Driving under the influence (DUI) remains a leading cause of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, there were 11,654 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes involving drunk drivers in the United States. Consuming alcohol affects critical abilities required to drive safely, such as decision-making, reaction time and muscle coordination. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair these functions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the standard measure for determining the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. In the United States, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher except for Utah, that enacted a .05 g/dL in 2018. In Germany, the legal limit is stricter than most of the states: a BAC of .05 or higher is considered impaired driving throughout the entire country.
Studies have shown that any alcohol consumption can negatively affect driving ability. Drivers should remember that “buzzed driving” is still dangerous driving, and it’s always safer to completely avoid driving after consuming alcohol.
Strategies to Prevent Drunk Driving:
Preventing drunk driving begins with personal responsibility and having a plan. Here are a few key tips to ensure your safety and the safety of others:
- Plan Your Transportation: If you plan to drink, arrange for a sober ride ahead of time. Options include designated drivers, taxis or ride-sharing services.
- Look Out for Others: If you see someone who has been drinking and it appears they plan to drive, step in. Take their keys and help them find a safe way home.
- Report Impaired Drivers: If you spot a driver who appears impaired, notify local law enforcement immediately. Your actions could save a life.
A Call to Action:
While December is observed as the USAG Bavaria Drunk Driving Prevention Month, the responsibility to prevent impaired driving extends throughout the year. For service members, adhering to these principles is not just about personal safety – it’s about upholding the standards of discipline, responsibility and leadership.
This holiday season let’s make it a priority to celebrate responsibly.
By planning ahead and making safe choices, we can prevent drunk driving and ensure that our roads are safer for everyone.
Be responsible. Make a plan. Protect lives.
Stay safe this holiday season, and remember: If you drink, don’t drive.
For more information and resources visit https://home.army.mil/bavaria/ASAP or https://www.nhtsa.gov/.
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