Protect Yourself
The key — planning ahead
You can have a great deal of control over your impaired driving risk. The key is to be aware of the risks and to plan ahead to protect yourself and others. Why take a chance when the risks and the consequences are so great?
Drinking driving
Of course, the best way to reduce your risk is to never drive after consuming any alcohol and to never accept a ride from another driver who has been drinking. Here are some other things you can do:
- take turns being the designated driver — when it’s your turn, stick to beverages without alcohol
- consider leaving the car at home when you plan to drink — public transit or a taxi are safer options for getting home
- plan to spend the night and drive home the next day after the effects of the alcohol have worn off
Drugs and driving
Illegal drugs impair your ability to drive safely. But did you know that many prescription or over–the–counter medications can also impair your driving ability? Make sure you check the labels on your medications to ensure that they will not have an effect on your ability to drive. If your driving ability is at risk, plan alternative ways to get around while you are taking the medication.
Fatigue
Driver fatigue is another form of impairment and it can have disastrous consequences. Being tired is a leading cause of crashes. Especially on long trips, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you start out after a good night’s sleep. There are a number of other things you can do to make sure you don’t become a fatigue statistic:
- Allow enough time to get to your destination. Make sure you allow for plenty of rest breaks: stop at a rest stop and go for a walk, change drivers or take a nap.
- Break up your trip into shorter driving days and avoid overnight driving.
- While you’re driving, keep a window open for fresh air, make sure the temperature in the car is not too hot, turn on the radio or talk to a passenger, or even yourself.
For more information on driver fatigue, read this fact sheet.