It’s Time To Talk About

The upcoming Independence Day holiday is one of celebration: cook outs, fireworks, and for some, drinking and/or substance use. This is a convenient time to discuss what it means to drive under the influence, and to issue a few words of caution about driving under the influence.

Driving under the influence in Oklahoma means driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 of higher. Impaired driving means driving under the influence of any intoxicating substance, medical marijuana, and/or prescription medications that would interfere with one’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Any time a driver is suspected of being under the influence, law enforcement may intervene in the interest of public safety.

Consequences of DUI are steep. At best, one might not get caught, which may lead to further episodes of driving while intoxicated. Eventually, most people who risk driving under the influence will be caught. There are numerous consequences: property damage, expensive lawyer fees and court costs, having to have a breathalyzer installed in one’s vehicle, public embarrassment, losing one’s job, going to jail, and losing one’s license to drive to name a few. Most tragically, driving under the influence may result in injury or death to the driver, another person, or both.

First time DUI offenders are charged with misdemeanors, while second and consecutive offenses result in felony charges. Regardless of legal consequences, one should keep in mind that driving under the influence is dangerous to the perpetrator and to the public. When one choses to drive while intoxicated, that person has chosen to put his or her well-being and that of others at risk.

According to data provided by the National Center for DWI Courts, there are over 2 million drivers in the United States with 3 or more driving while intoxicated convictions. Tragically, nearly 10,500 lives were lost in impaired driving crashes in 2016 alone. Oklahoma Department of Public Safety reported that of the 189 alcohol-related fatalities in 2016, 150 were drivers, 29 were passengers, and ten were pedestrians.

I am encouraging my readers to plan ahead when they know they are going to be drinking or consuming intoxicating substances. Plan to stay where you are, arrange for a designated driver, or order a taxi, Lyft, or Uber. Do not get behind the wheel and put your life on the line. Do not get behind the wheel and put the lives of others on the line. There is simply no acceptable excuse for driving under the influence. Have a safe and smart Independence Day!

This is an ongoing series by Sarah Mears-Ivy regarding substance use disorders and the social and legal issues stemming from them. Sarah knows a thing or two about addiction and recovery. Daughter, sister, and friend to many wonderful people who have battled substance use disorder, codependency, and mental health stigma. Survivor. Advocate for those who are not yet ready to fight alone.