Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Recently I had been browsing online and ran across a post on SmittenKitchen for some fun Chocolate Whiskey and Beer Cupcakes My first thought was, "These would be great to make for St. Patrick's Day!" It was shortly after that thought that I was sent information on the opportunity to post a "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving" PSA. For some reason I had never realized how intertwined St. Patrick's Day and drinking were. While I have never personally participated in a Kegs and Eggs celebration, nor have I indulged in Green Beer (Oddly, I just can't eat or drink things that are not the "right" color.), I understand that many people do. My only hope in writing this post is to spread the word to people to think before you drink. Go out and have fun. Eat, drink and be merry, if that is how you choose to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Just make sure that you plan ahead so that you don't make this St. Patrick's Day your last . . . or the last for an innocent victim.

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and it's not the luck of the Irish that will keep the roads safe, it's planning now for a safe and sober way home.

Are you headed out with friends after work this Wednesday to celebrate the holiday? No? Well when you and your family are on the road headed to choir practice, a t-ball game, or coming home from school, you may be sharing the road with those returning from a fun St. Patrick's Day event. It's time to spread the word about the dangers of buzzed driving and to remind people that Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving, and the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead.

Let's remind everyone about the importance of remembering to:

• Designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.
• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick's Day, keep in mind that in 2008, 1,179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. And for those who don't plan on over-indulging, a buzzed driving crash looks the same as a drunk driving crash.

Global Influence is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving" PSA campaign. Buzzed drivers drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because they have had "only a few" drinks. The campaign hopes to educate people that consuming even a few drinks can impair driving and that "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving."

We need your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick's Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving is drunk driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI: http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/sign/php#video

Remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.

For more information, visit Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving on Facebook and Twitter (@Buzzeddriving).

Disclaimer: I was not given any compensation for writing this post. All information including and after the image was provided to me by Global Influence for the purpose of spreading the word about this campaign.