How to Prevent Drunk Driving

August 16, 2024 | Uncategorized

You can’t control the actions of other drivers on the roadway. But you can control your actions. Drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic collision injuries and fatalities in Washington year after year. Data provided by the Washington Department of Transportation indicates that, in 2023, there were nearly 6,500 total collisions involving alcohol-impaired drivers. Out of these incidents, there were more than 2,000 injuries and, unfortunately, 141 fatal collisions.

So, how can you help prevent drunk driving?

Prevention Begins With Self-Reflection

The first step in preventing drunk driving starts with a commitment to responsible behavior. If you plan to drink, make arrangements in advance for a safe way to get home. This might include designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Understanding your limits is also crucial. Alcohol affects everyone differently, and what might seem like a small amount could still impair your ability to drive safely. By planning ahead and recognizing when it is unsafe to drive, you can significantly reduce the risk of being involved in an alcohol-related crash.

Additionally, consider the legal and financial consequences of drunk driving. Washington law imposes severe penalties for driving under the influence (DUI), including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. The long-term impact on your personal and professional life can be devastating, from increased insurance premiums to difficulty finding employment. Reflecting on these potential outcomes can serve as a powerful deterrent to getting behind the wheel while impaired.

If You Spot a Friend or Family Member About to Drive Drunk

Preventing drunk driving is not just about your actions; it also involves watching out for those around you. If you see a friend or family member who is about to drive after drinking, take action. Offer to drive them home, call a cab, or arrange for a rideshare. If they resist, do not be afraid to take their keys—saving their life is worth the temporary discomfort. Sometimes, a gentle reminder of the risks and consequences is all it takes to convince someone to make a safer choice.

In some cases, you may need to be firm. This is especially true if the person is adamant about driving despite your efforts to stop them. It is better to have a friend upset with you than to allow them to put themselves and others at risk on the road. If necessary, enlist the help of others to intervene. Drunk driving is preventable, but it requires vigilance and the willingness to step in when someone’s judgment is impaired.

What if You See a Drunk Driver on the Roadway?

If you encounter a driver who you suspect is drunk, your priority should be safety. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle, as impaired drivers often behave unpredictably, making sudden stops, swerving, or driving too fast or too slow. Do not attempt to confront the driver or force them off the road; this could escalate the situation and put you in danger.

Instead, take note of the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number, if possible. Once you are in a safe location, such as a parking lot or side street, call 911 to report the suspected drunk driver. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as you can, including the direction the vehicle is traveling. In Washington, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) encourages citizens to report impaired drivers by calling 911 or using designated reporting lines. By reporting these drivers, you could potentially save lives by getting a dangerous driver off the road before an accident occurs.

Preventing drunk driving is a shared responsibility that begins with self-awareness and extends to watching out for others. By making responsible choices, intervening when others are about to drive drunk, and reporting impaired drivers, you can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of alcohol-related crashes. Remember, the consequences of drunk driving extend far beyond legal penalties; they can result in devastating injuries or loss of life. The Seattle car accident lawyers reccomend taking proactive steps to prevent drunk driving helps keep everyone safer on the road.