In 2017, more than 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Safety Council. The three biggest causes of fatalities on the road are alcohol, speeding and distracted driving.
How do you know if you or someone else is impaired and should not drive? There are a number of ways driving performance can be affected by alcohol or drugs. Don’t drive or let anyone drive if you notice the following:
- Dulled judgement/reasoning abilities and concentration\
- Slow reflexes and reaction time
- Hindered muscle control, coordination, and motor skills, including exaggerated motions
- Affected short-term memory and tracking ability
- Increased distraction and drowsiness
- Hindered maneuvering ability and ability to recognized traffic signals
- Blurred or restricted vision (including side and night vision)
- Increased confusion and anxiety
Alcohol and drugs create a false sense of confidence in driving ability. Don’t drive or let others drive under the influence!
— Lisa Robinson is a senior program manager with the National Safety Council