Driving Under the Influence: A Threat We Can Stop
Impaired driving is one of the most dangerous and preventable threats to road safety across North America and the Caribbean. Whether caused by alcohol or drugs, impaired driving endangers not only the driver but everyone on the road—passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other motorists alike. Thousands of lives are still lost each year to collisions that could have been avoided. #DontDriveHigh
FIA Region III is dedicated to raising awareness, sharing vital facts, and promoting responsible choices behind the wheel. Together, through education, enforcement, and community action, we can reduce impaired driving and make our roads safer for everyone.
Stay Sharp, Drive Smart: 5 Ways to Avoid Impaired Driving
1 Plan Your Ride Before You Party
Arrange a designated driver, rideshare, or taxi before you start drinking. No last-minute guesswork.
2 Know Your Limits (and Respect Them) Even small amounts of alcohol or certain drugs can slow your reaction time. If you feel “off,” don’t risk it—find another way home.
3 Keep a Backup Plan Handy
Save emergency ride numbers, rideshare apps, or local transit options in your phone. A safe ride should be one tap away.
4 Step Up for Friends
If you see someone about to drive impaired, speak up. Offer to call them a ride or let them crash at your place. A tough conversation is better than a tragedy.
5 Celebrate Safely at Festivals and Events
Carnivals, fêtes, and concerts are part of our vibrant culture—but they often involve alcohol or drugs. Designate a sober driver before the fun begins, and always look out for your crew.
6. Stay Overnight When Needed
If you’re far from home or attending an all-night event, book a nearby hotel or stay with a friend. It’s a simple way to avoid the risk of late-night impaired driving.
Important resources
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the SAFER initiative in 2018. “SAFER” is an acronym for the 5 most cost effective interventions to reduce alcohol related harm.
A = Advance and enforce drink driving counter measures
Road users who are impaired by alcohol have a significantly higher risk of being involved in a collision. Enacting and enforcing strong drink-driving laws and low blood alcohol concentration limits via sobriety checkpoints and random breath testing will help to turn the tide.
Read the Drunk Driving: A Road Safety Manual for Decision-Makers and Practitioners, created by the FIA Foundation and the WHO.
This manual provides advice and examples that can reduce the prevalence of drink driving and associated road trauma. The manual is aimed at policy-makers and road safety practitioners and draws on experience from countries that have succeeded in achieving and sustaining reductions in alcohol-related road trauma. It includes recommendations for developing and implementing drink driving legislation and advice on how to monitor and evaluate progress.