Drinking & Driving
Drinking & Driving: Avoiding a Fatal Mistake
In 2021, 407 people were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers on North Carolina roads (NCDOT).
Every 50 minutes, someone is killed from alcohol-impaired driving in the United States (NHTSA).
Find more videos in the Drinking and Driving Prevention YouTube Playlist
Most of us don’t drink and drive.
We can save lives by intervening to stop others from driving after drinking.
If you are attending an event involving alcohol, make plans for a sober ride home – either with a designated driver, a taxi, or a ride share app. Tell your friends your plan before you drink and hold each other accountable.
If you are hosting an event involving alcohol:
See someone attempting to drink and drive? Speak up. Try these…
Be insistent.
“You’re too drunk to drive. I’m calling you a ride.”
Relate to previous experience.
“You’re too drunk to drive. We’ve all been there. Other people have stepped in for me to keep me safe. Let me call you a cab”.
One word: Checkpoint.
“My buddy told me there’s a checkpoint tonight. You better crash here or get a ride share”.
Use a story.
“My friend got a DUI and lost his license and his job. I’m calling you a taxi”.
Relate that you care.
“I care about you and don’t want to see you wrapped around a tree.”
Take away their keys.
Sometimes, it takes a little creativity, try one of these tricks:
“I forgot something in your car. Can I see your keys for a minute to get it out?”
“Your car is blocking somebody in. I’ll move it for you.”
“You left your lights on. I’ll turn them off for you.”
“I’m going to make a run to the store for more food and drinks. Let me borrow your car.”
Find a non-drinking ride for him or her. Use a ride share app or call a cab.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) aims to bring an end to drunk driving while caring for victims. MADD provides further statistics and information about underage drinking, drunk driving, drugged driving, advocacy, victim assistance, technology, and law enforcement.
MADD also employs skilled victim advocates trained to offer assistance nationwide. These advocates are equipped to identify the needs of victims and survivors, facilitating connections with the necessary resources and emotional support in the aftermath of a collision involving drunk or drugged driving.
