November 30, 1999
Every year during
the holidays, families and friends gather for meals and parties in celebration
of this season. And every year, the
public is reminded about the dangers associated with operating a motor vehilce
while under the influence of alcohol.
In fact, all states have laws to deal with drunk drivers involved in
accidents; 48 of the states also have laws that make it illegal to drive with a
blood alcohol level of .08 or .10, whether or not the driver has had an
accident. (In Connecticut, a person is
considered legally intoxicated at the .10 level, meaning alcohol comprises 1/10
of 1 percent of the person’s blood.)
Unfortunately, many
people do not know that excessive drinking can also have deadly consequences
for pedestrians. According to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, “nearly one-third of all pedestrians who die in
traffic related crashes are intoxicated.”
The figures also reveal that in almost one-half of all pedestrian
fatalities, either the driver or the pedestrian was under the influence of
alcohol. Statistics also show that most
alcohol-related accidents involving pedestrians involve males, usually occur at
night, and frequently happen on weekends.
By now, most of us
understand that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that lower
inhibitions, dulls the senses, blocks memory functions, and slows reaction
times. Many adults have begun to heed
the admonishment not to drink and drive, but it is also important to realize
how dangerous it can be to walk under the influence of alcohol.
Because alcohol
impairs judgment, affects balance, reduces coordination and alertness, and
adversely affects vision, a drunk pedestrian is unable to walk in traffic
safely. When compared to sober
pedestrians, alcohol-impaired pedestrians frequently cross the street from
unexpected locations. So when leaving a
holiday function this season, residents need to be mindful of their own
drinking and driving practices, those of other drivers, and the potential for
injury for pedestrians who drink.
December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Month, an opportune time
to offer the following tips to reduce the risk of becoming involved in an
alcohol-related accident this season:
·
If you plan to
walk anywhere, limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Carry a flashlight and wear retro-reflective
clothing at night and flourescent colors during the day.
·
If you know
someone who has been drinking and is planning to walk, call a cab for that
person or offer to drive or escort him/her home, even if it is only a short
distance away.
·
If you are
driving, do not drive impaired. Use the
designated driver system to choose a driver who agrees to remain alcohol free
or call a cab.
·
If you are
driving, watch out for pedestrians who may be under the influence of
alcohol. Be alert for sudden,
unexpected movements by pedestrians; scan the road often, and do
not drive fast.
·
If you are
driving, be mindful of other drivers.
Stay a safe distance away from anyone who weaves from one side of the
road to the other, makes excessively wide turns at intersections, follows other
vehicles too closely, drives too fast or too slow, breaks unnecessarily or
stops inappropriately, or is slow to respond to traffic signals.
It is important to
remember to drive and to WALK safely and defensively. By exercising good judgement and remaining alert, you can enjoy a
happy and safe holiday season.