Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and we at the Huntley Police Department would like to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly.
For years law enforcement and safety groups have been warning of the dangers of drunk driving. This year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rolled out a new safety campaign. The campaign builds on national efforts to combat drunk driving and the emerging trend of drug-impaired driving with the message “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI.”
Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs can cause impairment by themselves or in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol. Impaired driving is illegal, regardless of the source of the impairment. Whether by drugs (legal or illegal), alcohol or a combination of drugs and alcohol, impaired driving puts the driver, their passengers and others on the road at risk.
A driver’s judgment and ability to react are impaired when driving high, but many drivers don’t realize that it’s dangerous and illegal. Driving drunk or high is a DUI - impairment is impairment.
The Huntley Police Department takes impaired driving seriously and increases enforcement efforts during holidays. Every holiday season, hundreds of lives are lost to impaired drivers. We ask your assistance in this public safety problem by always driving sober, planning a safe ride with a designated sober driver, or using a taxi or ride sharing service. Additionally, we need your help in reporting impaired motorists. Please be alert while driving on the roadways and be mindful of weather conditions. Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you witness questionable driving abilities that could be associated with an impaired motorist.
Huntley Safety 1st is the monthly education series written by the staff of the Huntley Police Department. On the first of each month, we provide citizens with information on a different public safety related issue.