Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

I attended my first Christmas party this past Saturday. I had a blast meeting new people and spending time with my BFF Tamara. We exchanged gifts, ate delicious food, and of course had drinks...at least others did. That's right, I did not have one alcoholic beverage. I indulged myself with ginger-ale and bottled water the entire night. And guess what...I still had a wonderful time.

I'll have to admit, I have driven under the influence before. Not that I am bragging, but It was one of those situations where I felt like I could manage driving myself home. I felt I would pass my field sobriety test if necessary, and I had the alphabet (recited backwards that is) down to a science. It wasn't until I realized that my irresponsibility could cause tremendous harm or ruin an innocent life. I could even ruin mine.

Now, when my friends and I go out, we make a pact. One of us has to be the designated driver. The funny thing about our circle of friends is that we can make the best out of any situation. Alcohol is not needed. After reading the following information below, you may agree with me:

In 2008, nearly 12,000 people in the U.S. were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes - and during the periods around Christmas and New Year's, this number was particularly high, with 316 people killed in alchol-impaired driving crashes. In 2007, 162,493 women were arrested for a DUI, an increase of almost 29% since 1998. You can't help but wonder if lives could have been saved if people thought twice before getting behind the wheel. With the holidays approaching, it's important that drivers be reminded about the dangers of buzzed driving. Who knows...it could save a life.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the Ad Council are asking everyone to drive smart this holiday season and to pledge not to drive buzzed. Help spread this message during the holiday season by posting about the dangers of buzzed driving, sharing a story or experience you might have had with buzzed driving and encouraging readers to follow Buzzed Driving on Twitter (@buzzeddriving) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/buzzeddrivingisdrunkdriving) to get the latest updates and news. You can also visit the Buzzed Driving website (http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/) where readers can sign a pledge to not drive buzzed, play an interactive game which demonstrates the difference between buzzed and drunk, and hear personal stories from people who have driven buzzed.

While at holiday events, it's easy to lose track of a drink here or there - but this can be fatal. This holiday season, keep you and your family safe by spreading this message.

Have a safe and happy holiday and remember that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

How you can help on Facebook:

Become a fan of the Buzzed Driving campaign on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/buzzeddrivingisdrunkdriving

How you can help on Twitter:

Follow @buzzeddriving on Twitter

http://resourcefulmommy.blogspot.com/2009/12/buzzed-driving-is-drunk-driving-twitter.html

Take the pledge to not drive buzzed here: http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org

Stick around to enjoy your family, friends, and the holiday. Be safe. Drive sober.