When most of us think of impaired driving, we think of people who drink and drive. But anything that decreases your ability to judge the situation around you and to react appropriately can be dangerous. And the problem with being impaired is that we often don't realize the extent of our own impairment.
For example, check the labels of any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Many of them will warn you not to operate machinery or drive when you're using them. If you can't stay home but you have to take the medicine, take a bus or get a ride. (It's better to sleep through your stop when you're riding on a bus than to sleep through a red light when you're driving!).
We've probably all driven when we were tired, but we've also all heard of tragic crashes that happened when someone fell asleep at the wheel. Sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgement.
To avoid driving while overtired:
Plan ahead when you're going to an event where you know alcohol will be served. Take turns with your friends being the designated driver, the one who doesn't drink alcohol that night and then drives everyone else home.
Call a cab, take a bus, sleep at a friend's house. Just don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you've been drinking!
Some family members sign contracts with each other, agreeing to come without complaint at any hour of night or day to pick up another family member if that person is unable to drive safely.
In some communities, you can call Operation Red Nose for a free ride home during the December holiday season.
If you're the host of a party, make sure you offer alternatives to alcohol. Know how your guests are going to get home. Don't force drinks on anyone. Have plenty of food and snacks on hand. And don't let anyone drive home if they've had too much to drink!
Use ICBC's Get Home Safe Community Kit if you are planning a large event. Or check out our mocktail recipes for yummy non-alcoholic beverages for any party.
These simulator goggles, first introduced in 1996, allow anyone to experience firsthand how impairment affects their vision. They're particularly useful when educating young people. The goggles are in use in B.C., throughout the United States and in many other countries around the world. For more information on them, visit www.fatalvision.com/fv/home.php.
