NHTSA and Law Enforcement Remind Drivers:

Drive High, Get a DUI.

If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. 

Indian River, Fl- Here is a message from Indian River Sheriff Eric Flowers. There is no reason to drive drunk. We have Ubers Lyft, friends, AAA. Not one good reason. 

Here is his message:

Behind bars is no way to spend your holidays! During this busy festive season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up for the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. Impaired driving awareness campaign, which runs from December 15, 2023, through January 1, 2024.

“Driving under the influence is unacceptable in an era where Uber, Lyft, designated drivers and other rideshare options are so readily available. We have seen far too many lives cut short by impaired drivers and we will not tolerate it this holiday season.” said Sheriff Eric Flowers. “If you drive intoxicated, expect to be arrested. You can explain to the judge why you chose to put yourself and others in danger during this season when we should all be celebrating with the ones we love the most” he said.  

If you think being high won’t affect your driving, you’re wrong. It has been proven that drugs like marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.

If you find yourself drug-impaired or alcohol-impaired and with your vehicle, designate a sober driver or call a taxi/rideshare. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement. 

For more information about the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.  #FloridaLEL

Here is my message: 

You get behind the wheel of a car drunk you are driving a weapon. The consequences of your behavior could change your life and the life of someone else forever.  Its a preventable tragedy.

From appointing a designated driver to taking an Uber, here are eight ways to get home without driving drunk.

1. Appoint a designated driver. …
2. Take a cab or taxi. …
3. Take an Uber. …
4. Take a Lyft. …
5. Use public transportation. …
6. Use another transportation service. …
7. Call someone to drive your car home. …
8. Walk

Drugs and alcohol have real effects on your body. Driving under the influence (DUI) inhibits your ability to drive safely. Alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, prescriptions, or over-the-counter medications can cause impairment. Driving impaired puts you and everyone else on the road in danger. Impairment is no illusion. Never Drive Impaired

Under the influence of alcohol and drugs, drivers can experience:

• A slowed reaction time;
• Limited short-term memory functions;
• Decreased hand-eye coordination;
• Weakened concentration; and
• Difficulty perceiving time and distance.

Thanks for reading. Please leave your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with others so more people can join the conversation.