Saratoga, N.Y.—December 1, 2014:  Nearly 12,000 people die every year in alcohol and drug-related crashes, one person dead every 53 minutes and one person injured every two minutes. Impaired driving is not just a problem for law enforcement, courts or victims. When impaired drivers take to the road, they not only put themselves at risk, they also put the public’s safety in jeopardy. Beginning in December three Prevention Council supported coalitions will kick off a Twitter based drunk and drugged driving awareness campaign to educate about these dangers.

The campaign will use a comprehensive multi-media approach, compelling facts, and vivid imagery to educate about the risks of impaired driving.  In addition to Twitter, other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram will drive messaging to create awareness and to engage conversations with various age groups about the issue. Coalition Coordinator for the Community Coalition for Family Wellness, Jenn Wood shared “Our goal is to reach as many people, in as many ways as possible, with reminders about driver safety.  With holiday traveling and celebrations, this is a key time get the word out about impaired driving.”

While much has been done with alcohol impaired and distracted driving, drugged driving is an often overlooked issue, especially among teens and young adults. Conservative estimates show that 20% of crashes in the U.S. are caused by drugged driving. This translates into about 6,761 deaths, 440,000 injuries and $59.9 billion in costs each year.  “Police are seeing increasing numbers of drugged drivers – drivers under the influence of marijuana, prescription drugs, and cocaine.  These drugs slow down a motorist’s reaction time, negatively affect coordination and can have a deadly impact out on the roads.  Even legally prescribed drugs can be unsafe when operating a vehicle” Said Robin Lyle, Coalition Development Director at the Prevention Council.

To receive and share these important prevention messages follow them at:

South Glens Falls- Community Coalition for Family Wellness

@CCFWsgf

Shenedehowa Community Coalition

@ShenStrengthNum

Saratoga Partnership for Prevention

@TogaTrue