The Facts on Impaired Driving
- In 2005, thirty-nine percent of all traffic deaths involved alcohol.
- An additional 254,000 people were injured in crashes where alcohol was present.
- The rate of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes is more than 5 times higher at night than during the day.
- Thirty percent of all fatal crashes were during the week as opposed to 51% on weekends.
- Drugs (other than alcohol) are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths. (Sometimes the driver is under the influence of both alcohol and another drug.)
- Any drug – illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter – can cause slow reaction time, alteration in depth perception, reduction in peripheral vision, confusion, drowsiness, or lack of awareness of surroundings.
How to spot an impaired driver:
- Unreasonably fast or slow speeds or inconsistency of speed
- Frequent lane changing
- Swerving
- Ignoring traffic signals and/or signs
- Jerky starts and/or stops
- Driving at night without lights
- Sitting at stop lights or signs for long periods of time
- Hugging the edge of the road or straddling the center line
- Driving with windows down in cold weather
- Driving with the head partly or completely out the window
If you are concerned about a driver:
- Do not confront him/her
- Get the license plate number and a description of the vehicle and call 911 to make a report
- If you must continue to drive near the person, drive defensively and allow plenty of space between you and him/her
- Be sure to wear your seatbelt!
Seventy-six percent of USC Upstate students choose NOT to drive under the influence. Join them!
For more information contact Alcohol & Drug Programs at (864) 503-5536.