In addition to poor weather conditions making December driving dangerous, you also need to be aware of an increase in drunk driving. It is still the number one cause of death on our roadways. More than 300,000 incidents occur a day with 300,000 injuries per year.
Fortunately, more people will be staying home this year due to COVID, but the pandemic won’t eliminate drunk driving. One piece of “good” news is that truckers are far less likely to cause an accident by driving drunk than passenger car drivers. In addition to being aware of other drivers, be aware of yourself. Remember, being a truck driver doesn’t make you any less susceptible to the dangerous effects of alcohol.
The effects of alcohol impairment include:
- Slowed reaction times
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Compromised motor control
- Blurred or altered vision
- Lowered inhibitions against engaging in risky behavior
Behind the wheel, for all drivers, the effects of alcohol impairment may result in:
- An increased distance required to stop
- A failure to recognize and abide by road signage and other traffic control devices
- Weaving, swerving and running off the road
- The inability to perceive other vehicles or pedestrians
- Speeding, dangerous passing and other aggressive driving
For all of the above reasons, driving while impaired by alcohol significantly increases the risks of catastrophic accidents. Please drive safely this holiday season so that we can wish you well in 2021!