Champaign County sees increase in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities

URBANA, IL – December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. During the holiday season, a higher than normal number of parties and gatherings results in more people on the roads – and under the influence.

“Most people do not understand the impact that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have,” said Jeffrey Evans, CADC, Carle Addiction Recovery Center. “In addition to endangering the lives of themselves and others, offenders can face months or years with loss of driving privileges, ongoing hearings from the Secretary of State to regain driving privileges, mounting expense from legal, state and local court fines and fees, mandatory counseling for the arrest, even incarceration.”

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report published on December 7, 2009, shows that Champaign County saw a 250 percent increase in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities from 2007 to 2008, even though the state of Illinois saw a decrease in the same time period.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends these steps to reduce alcohol-impaired driving:

• Plan ahead. Always designate a sober driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.
• Take the keys. Do not let friends drive if they are impaired.
• Be a helpful host. If you’re hosting a party, always offer alcohol-free beverages. Remind guests to designate a sober driver, and at the end of the night, be sure everyone has a sober ride home.

Visit www.cdc.gov or contact Carle Addiction Recovery Center at (217) 383-6039 for more information.