Before You Drink
I'm Fine to Drive
The combination of drinking and driving is deadly. You may think you are okay to drive, but alcohol reduces your ability to think clearly. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows the function of the central nervous system. Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters your perceptions, emotions, movement, vision and hearing. Check out these facts from abovetheinfluence:
- In the United States approximately 36 people die, and approximately 700 more are injured, in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives
- Of the 1,746 traffic fatalities among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2006, about one out of every six (17 percent) involved an alcohol-impaired driver
Understand the Consequences
If under the age of 21, it is illegal to consume alcohol. If caught driving with a blood alcohol content as low as .02 you could face the following consequences:
- Loss of driver's license for 60 days for first-time offenders
- Loss of driver's license for 90 days for subsequent offenses
- No temporary permits for any reason
- Alcohol is alcohol, whether it's beer, wine or liquor
- For most people, .02 is as little as one beer, one glass of wine, or one mixed drink - for some even less
Protect Yourself and Others From the Dangers of Alcohol
- Don't drink and drive
- Don't ride with someone who's been drinking
- Stop your friends from driving if they've been drinking
- Call a cab or get a ride home with someone who's sober
- If you're under 21, just don't drink. In Iowa it's against the law
- And wear your seatbelt - it's your best chance of survival if you're hit by a drunk driver
Choosing to drive while impaired can result in the loss of your freedom, dignity or even your life.