Policy Impact: Impaired Driving
"What's the Issue?
Each year, millions of people choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol, sometimes with devastating results. In 2009, almost 11,000 people were killed in crashes involving impaired drivers, nearly one-third of all traffic deaths.
Alcohol-impaired driving crashes claim the lives of the most vulnerable: in a single year, these crashes killed more than 180 children younger than 14.2 Half of the children killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes were riding in the car with the impaired driver.
These deaths are preventable. Research has identified proven policies that can keep alcohol-impaired drivers off the road and save thousands of lives each year..."
Showing posts with label automobile_drivers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label automobile_drivers. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Drugged, Drunk, and Distracted Drivers Put Us All at Risk
"In the past few decades, Americans have come to realize the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. Thanks to increased awareness and the efforts of concerned groups and
individuals to draw attention to the problem, there has been a decline in the number of people injured or killed as a result of drunk driving. Traffic fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes decreased nearly 10 percent from 2007 to 2008, according to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Alcohol use, however, is only one dangerous behind-the-wheel behavior. Increased attention is now being focused on other types of dangerous driving behavior, such as text messaging, talking on a cell phone, and drugged driving. More than ever, it is time we recognize the dangers of drugged driving and take steps to reduce this threat to our Nation’s health and safety.
Use of any drug that acts on the brain can impair motor skills, reaction time, judgment, and other faculties required for safe driving. Drugged driving is a public health concern because it not only puts the driver at risk; it also endangers the lives of passengers and others sharing
the road..."
"In the past few decades, Americans have come to realize the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. Thanks to increased awareness and the efforts of concerned groups and
individuals to draw attention to the problem, there has been a decline in the number of people injured or killed as a result of drunk driving. Traffic fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes decreased nearly 10 percent from 2007 to 2008, according to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Alcohol use, however, is only one dangerous behind-the-wheel behavior. Increased attention is now being focused on other types of dangerous driving behavior, such as text messaging, talking on a cell phone, and drugged driving. More than ever, it is time we recognize the dangers of drugged driving and take steps to reduce this threat to our Nation’s health and safety.
Use of any drug that acts on the brain can impair motor skills, reaction time, judgment, and other faculties required for safe driving. Drugged driving is a public health concern because it not only puts the driver at risk; it also endangers the lives of passengers and others sharing
the road..."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
New Roadside Survey Shows Steady Decline in Alcohol Levels, while Driver Drug Use is Detected
"A new roadside survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms a continuing decline in the percentage of legally intoxicated drivers
In 1973, 7.5 percent of drivers had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In the latest survey, that figure had fallen to 2.2 percent. A BAC of .08 or higher is now above the legal limit in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Previous roadside surveys conducted by NHTSA have measured only alcohol. But the 2007 survey used new screening techniques that detected other substances as well and in the future may help show the extent of drug impairment among drivers.
The survey found 16.3 percent of nighttime weekend drivers were drug positive. The survey focused on weekend nighttime drivers and found that the drugs used most commonly by drivers were: marijuana (8.6 percent); cocaine (3.9 percent); and over-the-counter and prescription drugs (3.9 percent)..."
"A new roadside survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms a continuing decline in the percentage of legally intoxicated drivers
In 1973, 7.5 percent of drivers had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In the latest survey, that figure had fallen to 2.2 percent. A BAC of .08 or higher is now above the legal limit in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Previous roadside surveys conducted by NHTSA have measured only alcohol. But the 2007 survey used new screening techniques that detected other substances as well and in the future may help show the extent of drug impairment among drivers.
The survey found 16.3 percent of nighttime weekend drivers were drug positive. The survey focused on weekend nighttime drivers and found that the drugs used most commonly by drivers were: marijuana (8.6 percent); cocaine (3.9 percent); and over-the-counter and prescription drugs (3.9 percent)..."
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
DUI Fatalities Down Nationwide and in 32 States
"New national figures released today show a significant decline in the number of drunk driving-related fatalities occurring nationally and in 32 individual states, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters announced. However, the Secretary noted that the number of alcohol related fatalities among motorcyclists is climbing in half of the states.
“More drivers are getting the message that if you drink and drive, you will be caught, you will be arrested and you will go to jail,” said Secretary Peters. “But as good as this progress is, in this day and age there is simply no excuse for someone to drink and then drive.”
Secretary Peters noted that last year an estimated 12,998 people were killed in crashes where a vehicle operator had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. She said that represented a 3.7 percent decline from the 13,491 fatalities in 2006. However, figures showing that 25 states experienced an increase in the number of drunk motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes was disappointing, the Secretary said."
"New national figures released today show a significant decline in the number of drunk driving-related fatalities occurring nationally and in 32 individual states, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters announced. However, the Secretary noted that the number of alcohol related fatalities among motorcyclists is climbing in half of the states.
“More drivers are getting the message that if you drink and drive, you will be caught, you will be arrested and you will go to jail,” said Secretary Peters. “But as good as this progress is, in this day and age there is simply no excuse for someone to drink and then drive.”
Secretary Peters noted that last year an estimated 12,998 people were killed in crashes where a vehicle operator had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. She said that represented a 3.7 percent decline from the 13,491 fatalities in 2006. However, figures showing that 25 states experienced an increase in the number of drunk motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes was disappointing, the Secretary said."
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