Local doctor urges safer driving habits

MATTAWA - Statistics from 2010 state that 10,228 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, accounting for nearly one third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States, and a local doctor asks you to help curb this problem.

Drugs other than alcohol (e.g. marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths. These other drugs are often used in combination with alcohol.

“Drugs, even those prescribed by a physician, can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory,” CBHA-Mattawa Medical Director Hung “Gabe” Miu, MD, said.

Recent surveys have shown how pervasive drugged driving has become in the United States. Public awareness campaigns are underway locally, statewide and nationally to educate people about the dangers involved.

In the 2010 study, among drivers with Blood Alcohol Concentration levels of 0.08 percent or higher involved in fatal crashes, more than one out of every three were between 21 and 24 years of age (34%). The next two largest groups were ages 25-34 and 35-44.

“We all attend holiday parties this time of year,” Dr. Miu said. “If you are at a party, think about how much alcohol you consume and have arrangements and back-up plans if you become impaired by alcohol consumption.”

Likewise, people should always be aware that the ability to safely drive a motor vehicle can also be impacted by drug use, including medical marijuana and prescription drugs.

“People who drive drunk or drugged, aren’t just putting themselves at risk. They are endangering anyone else who is in the vehicle and everyone else on the road,” Dr. Miu said.