by Lauren Beyenhof

Created on: September 16, 2007

Approximately 14 million Americans (i.e. 7.4% of the population) meet the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism. Consideration of that statistic along with the fact that drunken driving was responsible for taking 17,602 lives in 2006, it's easy to see the need to keep people from getting behind the wheel when they are under the influence of alcohol. Nearly 1/3 of all drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) are repeat offenders, and males are more likely than females to drive drunk.

Taking the necessary steps to stop a person from drinking and driving is the duty of every concerned citizen. Below are some suggestions that have been effective in keeping drivers under the influence (DUI) of alcohol from endangering their lives and the lives of others. These strategies can be tailored to individual situations involving strangers, friends, family members or co-workers.

1. Offer to buy the person a cup of coffee

2. Remind the person of the penalties (loss of license, ticket fees, etc.) of being arrested for driving while intoxicated

3. Phone the police, then stand between the drunk driver and their car until the local authorities arrive

4. Offer to call the person a taxi

5. Take the person's car keys

6. Relay a personal experience (if you have one) about the consequences of drinking and driving

7. If the person in question is a friend or family member, drive him or her home yourself

No matter which method you decide to employ, be careful not to endanger yourself. People under the influence of alcohol have impaired judgment and may not appreciate your interference. David Sabagh, Chief of Police for Montclair, NJ admonishes would-be do-gooders with the following: "Don't risk a life to save a life." If you cannot safely keep a driver from getting behind the wheel, you have another course of action. Make note of the make and model of the driver's car, as well as the license plate number. Call 9-1-1 and relay the information to the operator, asking the dispatcher to call the police.

When heading out for a round of drinks with friends, be sure to choose a designated driver. Remember that the designated driver is the one who drinks no alcohol whatsoever, and is not merely the "least drunk" person of the group. It is important to remember that a person needs not be fully intoxicated in order to present a threat on the road. "Buzzed" driving can be every bit as dangerous as drunk driving.

-Sources Consulted-
http://www.madd.org/stats/
http://www.adcou ncil.org

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Journal: Alcohol Research & Health: Highlights From the Tenth Special Report to Congress, Health Risks and Benefits of Alcohol Consumption (Volume 24, Number 1, 2000 ed.) Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved October 07, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh24-1/05-11 .pdf

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