According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2010, more than 10,000 Americans died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes – one death every 48 minutes. That’s nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Meanwhile, 17 percent of traffic deaths among children involved an alcohol-impaired driver. In half of those crashes, the young victim was riding in the vehicle with the alcohol-impaired driver. Drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths.

Whenever your social schedule involves alcohol, make plans so that you do not have to drive after drinking. For example:

* Prior to any drinking, designate a non-drinking driver when with a group.
* Do not let your friends drive impaired. Take their keys away.
* If you have been drinking, get a ride home or call a taxi.
* If you are hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver; offer alcohol-free beverages; and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

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