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December is recognized as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.
While the holiday season is a time for getting together with family and friends, the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that in 2019, during the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, 210 lives were lost due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the average American has a 30% chance of being killed or injured by an impaired driver during their lifetime, and impaired driving is a leading cause of death for people under the age of 30. Impaired driving is an issue that affects all of us and is preventable.
The penalties for driving under the influence are steep. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, if you are 21 years old or older, you can receive a DUI charge if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is above .08% (commercial vehicle driver - .04%, under 21 - 0.00%). If you are pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs through field sobriety testing, a chemical test will be administered. Refusal to take the chemical test may result in a one year suspension of your driver license, if it is your first offense. If it is your second or third offense, your driver license may be suspended for two years. If convicted of a DUI, fines can start at $750 and a minimum of 4 months in jail.
Under Arizona law, a person can also be charged with a DUI while under the influence of any drug or its metabolite in their system. This includes prescription drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines, or recreational drugs like marijuana. It’s important to note that even though marijuana is legal in the state of Arizona, it’s use it prohibited for Department of the Army Civilians as well as Soldiers. All Government personnel are subject to drug testing, and the penalties for use are severe.
Impairment can sneak up on us – even after just two drinks, we become impaired. As our Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) rises, our judgement, motor skills and decision-making ability. For example, a 180 pound male that consumes one “Long Island Iced Tea” in one hour would have a BAC of between 0.07% and 0.08%, clearly impaired, but not aware of exactly how impaired they actually are.
Law enforcement also steps up their impaired driving enforcement and prevention efforts during this season. This is yet another reason to take precautions if celebrating. According to the CDC, some steps we can take to prevent impaired driving include planning ahead – if you plan to drink have plans to get a ride home. Be aware of the interaction between medications and alcohol. Don’t consume alcohol on an empty stomach. Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Monitor your alcohol consumption – there are many free apps for smart phones that can assist with that. A word of caution if using an app – they only estimate Blood Alcohol Content, unlike a breathalyzer or blood test that accurately measures it!
During the holiday season, the YPG Army Substance Abuse Program hopes you have positive experiences with your friends and family. Be safe, and don’t take unnecessary risk by driving under the influence.
For more information, contact the YPG Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, Scott Zaehler at (928)328-2249 or scott.r.zaehler.civ@army.mil.
| Date Taken: | 12.04.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2023 09:35 |
| Story ID: | 458815 |
| Location: | YUMA PROVING GROUND, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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