Impaired Driving Prevention

What is Impaired Driving?

Impaired driving occurs when someone operates a vehicle while their physical and mental abilities are compromised, making it unsafe to drive. This impairment can result from alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, marijuana or even extreme fatigue. Many people mistakenly believe they can judge their own level of impairment, but even small amounts of these substances can significantly affect reaction time, judgment and coordination. What might feel like a minor buzz or slight drowsiness can actually represent a dangerous level of impairment that puts everyone at risk.

Common signs of impairment include:

• Difficulty maintaining lane position
• Inconsistent speed or erratic braking
• Slow reaction times
• Poor judgment and decision-making
• Reduced coordination
• Blurred or double vision
• Drowsiness or nodding off
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Delayed response to traffic signals
• Reduced ability to track moving objects

How You Can Help Prevent Impaired Driving

1. Plan a safe ride home: Before heading out, decide how you’ll get home safely. Use apps like Uber or Lyft for easy access to a ride, or set up a designated driver among friends.
2. Know your limits: Substances like alcohol and cannabis affect everyone differently, and it’s essential to recognize your personal limit. Remember, it’s safest to avoid driving even if you think you're "just buzzed."
3. Stay over instead: If you’re at a friend’s or a place where you can safely spend the night, take advantage of the opportunity. This choice can help you avoid the temptation to drive home and ensures you won’t be on the road when you’re not at your best.
4. Be a responsible friend: Look out for friends who might consider driving impaired. Offer them alternatives such as calling a rideshare, staying over or splitting the cost of a cab. 
5. Keep emergency contacts on hand: Program important contacts into your phone, such as local cab companies, a trusted friend or family member who can help if plans change.

Resources to Prevent Impaired Driving

• Rideshare apps: Keep Lyft, Uber or other rideshare apps downloaded on your phone for safe transportation options.
• Taxi services: Call St. Louis County Cab at 314-991-5300 or Laclede Cab at 314-652-3456 for taxi services.
• Public transportation: Use the Metro Transit system for bus and light rail services throughout St. Louis. Visit the Metro Transit website for routes and schedules.
• Responsibility.org: Offers tips on how to help friends make safe choices when drinking.
• NIAAA's Drink Size Calculator: A tool that can help you better understand what constitutes a standard drink and the potential effects on your body.
• CHEERS: This program offers free non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers at participating Missouri bars.