Northwest Iowa — December is National Impaired Driving Awareness Month.
Iowa State Patrol spokesperson Trooper Kevin Krull tells us it was started as Drunk Driving Awareness Month back in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. Since then, he says it has become Impaired Driving Awareness Month because alcohol is only one of the substances that can negatively affect your driving.
Krull says the best advice is to plan ahead by planning to stay overnight at the party or by selecting a designated driver. But Krull says if you are going to drink, there are ways to slow down your alcohol consumption so that you’re not as likely to be impaired behind the wheel.
Trooper Krull says another thing you have to keep in mind is any prescription drugs that you may be taking.
Krull says taking prescription drugs that are not prescribed for you or using other illegal substances is not only against the law, but can have unintended results behind the wheel.
He says being intentional and planning ahead are the best ideas, especially with two holidays coming up later this month. He reminds us, if you drink, don’t drive.
