Impaired drivers – Facts and Stats

The number of people driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol continues to be a public safety concern, as well as a community safety concern. A known fact is that almost one in seven of all deaths on the roads involve drivers who are over the legal limit?

It doesn’t mean that if you are under the legal limit of alcohol intoxication, you are much safer. Even one drink will have an effect on your judgment and driving ability.

Stats in Guelph from Jan-April 2015:

The Guelph Police have dealt with forty three arrests related to drinking and driving in 2015. Forty of these arrests have led to breath tests conducted at the Guelph Police Station and eighteen of these tests have resulted in readings of more than twice the legal limit. Sixteen of the arrests were non Guelph residents.

Let’s work together to ensure that our community roads remain safe. If you are going to drink MADD suggests:

When Drinking Alcohol

Be responsible.

Choose a designated driver. Decide who’s going to be doing the driving before you go out, and make sure that person doesn’t drink any alcoholic beverages.

Call a taxi. Sometimes even the designated driver slips. If nobody in your group is sober, take alternate transportation. Cab, train, bus, horse and buggy – anything’s better than getting in the car with a drunk driver.

Hide keys. Don’t be afraid to take someone’s car keys. If the person gets angry, it’s probably proof you’re doing the right thing.

When Throwing a Party

Offer non-alcoholic beverages. Water, juice, soda pop – give your guests plenty of alternatives. And never pressure guests to drink alcohol.

Serve plenty of food. A full stomach can slow the rate of alcohol absorption. Serve a great meal or have plenty of appetizers on hand.

Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends. Give your guests an extra hour or two without alcohol before they head out the door.

Arrange alternate transportation. Pay attention to your guests’ alcohol intake and behavior. If someone has had a lot to drink or seems even the slightest bit tipsy, call a cab or set up a ride with a sober driver.

Detecting Drunk Drivers

Law enforcement officials are trained to identify signs associated with impaired driving:

Making wide turns

Weaving, swerving, drifting, or straddling the center line

Almost striking an object or vehicle

Driving on the wrong side of the road

Driving at a very slow speed or higher speed

Stopping without cause

Erratic Braking

Responding slowly to traffic signals

Turning abruptly or illegally

Driving after dark with headlights off

Keeping these things in mind can help you avoid a dangerous situation. If you spot what you think is an impaired driver, keep a safe distance and call police. Do not attempt to stop the vehicle yourself.

Let’s work together to ensure that Guelph remains one of the safest communities.

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