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ICJI > Traffic Safety > Traffic Safety > Motorists Warned this Holiday Season that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving Motorists Warned this Holiday Season that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

In an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Indiana roadways during the winter holidays, the Governor’s Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving and ICJI’s Traffic Safety division would like to remind all Hoosiers that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”

The term “buzzed” is often used to describe a “slight” state of intoxication and as a result many drivers will make the mistake of convincing themselves (and others) that they are “ok” to drive in this state of impairment. Yet, regardless of how one chooses to define their level of intoxication, 0.08 is the legal limit.

Last year in Indiana, a total of 140 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related traffic collisions. The holiday season can be particularly dangerous. In December 2011, a total of nine people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes across the state. During the same month, there were 176 collisions that occurred on Indiana roadways over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period (December 23, 2011 – January 3, 2012), which resulted in one fatality.

In order to decrease collision and fatality numbers this year, ICJI’s goal is to change the public’s perception of “drunk,” which is typically viewed as being out of control. While it is easy for many people to notice when they’ve had way too many alcoholic beverages, it is equally important for drivers to recognize when they’ve had just one too many.

If you are caught driving while impaired, you will be arrested. Hurting someone else or yourself in addition to jail time, court costs, loss of driving privileges, embarrassment, and potential loss of employment are not worth the risk of driving “buzzed.”

Don’t let your year end in an arrest – or worse. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver before doing so. By exercising good judgment before getting behind the wheel, we can improve our chances of reducing the number of lives lost on Indiana roadways this holiday season.

Celebrate the Holidays Responsibly

The unnecessary loss of life can be prevented by removing impaired motorists from our roadways, which is why the Traffic Safety division supports year-round efforts to remind all motorists to never drink and drive

This holiday season, ICJI is encouraging people to take four simple steps to ensure their holiday celebrations don’t end in tragedy.

  1. Plan ahead; be sure to designate a sober driver before the party begins.
  2. Even one drink too many increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle. If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
  3. If you plan to host a party and serve alcohol, make sure that you also serve food and offer non-alcoholic beverages. Never let your guests leave without ensuring that they have a safe way to get home. Allow guests to sleepover or stay longer until they are sober and able to drive.
  4. Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.

The holidays should be a time for celebration, not tragedy. Please do your part in making Indiana roadways safe to travel by never driving after drinking. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

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