It's Not Just DUI...Impaired Driving
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% (the legal limit is most states, including Montana) makes a person 5 times more likely to be in a crash.
 |
CELL PHONES |
Driving while talking on a cell phone also makes a person 5 times more likely to be involved in a crash. Most crashes triggered by cell phone use are not caused by dialing or answering, but merely being in conversation. Text Messaging while driving, however, is really risky, and is even more distracting. Few statistics have been gathered yet (as of 2008), but many states are considering banning text messaging while driving because of horrible, fatal crashes that have happened while the driver was distracted by texting.
Details of cell phone use risks
 |
EATING |
Driving while eating significantly increases your risk of being in a crash, too. It's not the chewing or swallowing that will get you in trouble, it's how you are distracted when you spill, burn your mouth on hot coffee, or get something sticky or slippery on the steering wheel.
10 Most Dangerous Foods to Eat When Driving
 |
RECREATIONAL DRUGS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS |
Driving, or doing any complex task, under the influence of recreational/illegal drugs is also risky. Marijuana, meth, etc. also reduce reaction time and negatively affects motor skills and judgment. Even some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can significantly increase your chances of having a crash if you are driving. Be sure to read and heed package warnings.
 |
SLEEP DEPRIVATION |
Drowsy driving can cause lapses in attention. Even a lapse of attention for a couple seconds can cause you to drift off the road. It's better to pull over and take a nap to insure that you get there, even though a little late, rather than not get there at all.
 |
DRIVING IS A COMPLEX TASK |
For your safety, as well as that of others on the road around you, spend your time behind the wheel concentrating on traffic and road conditions, rather than on phone conversations, kids in the back seat, or your lunch!
Please note some documents are in "Portable Document Format" and
requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have
this viewer, visit
Adobe.com.
