December 2023 is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month according to proclamation 10679 issued on November 30th by the Executive Office of the President and published in the federal register today.
The proclamation starts with:
This holiday season, too many American families will have an empty seat at their table after losing a loved one in a drunk or drug-impaired driving accident. More than 10,000 Americans die every year in these preventable crashes. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we call on everyone to help save a life by planning ahead, calling for a ride, only driving when sober, and helping friends and loved ones do the same every time.
We're an interlock provider who hopes you'll drive sober
As an ignition interlock device provider, we constantly meet people who regret their decision to drive drunk. During the holidays and always, drive sober. December was chosen for the National Impaired Driving Prevention Month initiative due to the increase in travel and impaired driving each year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. As the holiday party season approaches, several groups are joining forces to keep the roads safe. Many agencies are coordinating an annual campaign to target impaired drivers and help keep motorists safe.
Motorists should have a plan to get home safely BEFORE deciding to drink. Driving under the influence of drugs is also illegal and dangerous. Make sure you understand the effects of even prescription or over-the-counter medication as many drugs have the potential of affecting your ability to drive safely. If you feel different, you drive different. For those motorists that are not using alcohol or drugs but must pass through inconvenient checkpoints, just remember that these stops help to save lives. Your cooperation during these checkpoints helps to keep things running smoothly.
The proclamation continues with a devastating statistic:
Nearly a third of deadly car wrecks in America involve alcohol, and some 26 million people drove under the influence in 2020, endangering themselves, passengers and passersby, and the law enforcement officers who work to keep our roads safe. Just one drink or pill can destroy a cascade of lives.
Increased awareness and law enforcement
With additional funds being spent this month on advertising and law enforcement, motorists will hopefully think before they drink. If you see a driver that appears to be impaired, contact your local law enforcement. Many law enforcement agencies across Alabama will schedule additional officers to saturate roadway patrol efforts and to conduct checkpoints for seat belt usage and impaired drivers. When communities know that law enforcement is extra committed to catching drunk drivers, it encourages extra pairs of eyes on the road.
A Proclamation on National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2023
The proclamation specifically mentioned the importance of investing in "technologies that can detect and prevent impaired driving" which reaffirms our stand that ignition interlock devices are very valuable in helping to make our roads safer. The holiday season is merry and bright…until you look at drunk driving statistics during this time. Raising awareness for safety on the roadway is an important job we can all help with. Drunk driving crashes increase throughout the month of December as more people travel and attend events where alcohol is served. That is why every U.S. President since Ronald Reagan has proclaimed December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. We are here to help you keep the roads safer. Call (866) 447-8686 or contact us online for more information on our alcohol testing products and vehicle interlock devices.
