Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show December is one of the deadliest months for impaired driving. In 2022, drunken driving rates were the highest in 15 years. Miguel Perez, head of the biomedical engineering and mechanics department at Virginia Tech and a researcher at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, says impaired driving remains a serious problem and now goes beyond alcohol.
Perez notes that more impaired crashes are linked to cannabis and other drugs. He warns that policing and detection for non-alcohol impairment are limited compared with alcohol methods. He calls the holiday season a "perfect storm" because parties, late events and the recent change to standard time increase the risk of drowsiness and poor visibility.
Vehicle sensors and advanced driving systems can help, but they are not complete solutions and are often available only in newer vehicles. Perez says prevention still depends on education, enforcement and easier alternative-transport choices for people who overindulge.
Difficult words
- impairment — a reduction in normal physical or mental ability
- detection — the act of finding or discovering something
- drowsiness — feeling sleepy or having low energy while awake
- visibility — how well you can see in the environment
- enforcement — the act of making people follow laws or rules
- prevention — actions that stop problems before they happen
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What measures would make it easier for people who overindulge to avoid driving during the holidays?
- Which is more important to reduce impaired driving in your view: education or enforcement? Explain your reason.
- How might the recent change to standard time affect drivers where you live?
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