What You Can Do to Prevent Impaired Driving

Steps to take

What drivers can do

• Plan ahead. If you plan to drink alcohol or use drugs, make plans so that you do not have to drive.
• Get a ride home. If you have been drinking alcohol and/or using drugs, get a ride home with a driver who has not been drinking or using drugs, use a rideshare service, or call a taxi.
• Agree on a trusted designated driver ahead of time. If you are with a group, agree on a trusted designated driver in the group who will not drink alcohol or use drugs.
• Be aware of prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. It's not just alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs that can impair your ability to drive. Many types of prescription medicines and some over-the-counter medicines can also affect your ability to drive safely, either on their own or when combined with alcohol. Avoid driving if you are unsure how a medicine may affect you, if it has side effects that can harm your ability to drive, or if your doctor tells you not to drive after using a medicine.

What everyone can do

• Don't let your friends drive while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
• Don't ride with an impaired driver.
• If you're hosting a party where alcohol or drugs will be available, remind your guests to plan ahead. Arrange for alternative transportation or agree on a trusted designated driver who will not drink alcohol or use drugs. Offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all guests leave with a driver who has not been drinking alcohol and/or using drugs.
• If you or someone you know is having trouble with alcohol or drugs, help is available.
• Always wear a seat belt on every trip—regardless of whether you're the driver, the front seat passenger, or a back seat passenger. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash by about half.1