The holiday season comes with plenty of good cheer, good food, and good times with friends and family. Most of us wouldn’t imagine our holiday festivities could end up leading to tragedy. Unfortunately, the holiday season is the time of year when alcohol and drug-related driving accidents are most likely to happen. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, and there’s no better time than the holidays to spread awareness and education on the dangers of getting behind the wheel in an impaired state.
Sobering Statistics
Each year, thousands of drivers and passengers are killed due to impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-related driving accidents account for around 31% of all vehicle accidents, and an average of 30 people die in the United States per day in drunk-driving crashes. Drug-related driving accidents are also of immediate public concern. In 2017, 45% of drivers killed in fatal crashes who were screened for drugs tested positive.
However, there is good news—alcohol-impaired driving fatalities have dropped. In 2017, the number of fatalities dropped by 1.1%. In 2018, the number continued to drop another 3.6%. Increased public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and better treatment options are all essential in continuing to lower the rates of impaired-driving fatalities.
A Different Path
Though alcohol-impaired driving fatalities are dropping, there is a significant upward trend among offenders with multiple DUI charges. The typical criminal justice response of incarceration, fines, and other punishments doesn’t address the root cause of the behavior: addiction.
Offering more therapeutic and rehabilitative options for offenders is key in continuing to lower the rates of impaired-driving fatalities, because these options address the root of the repeated behavior. A court system that ensures offenders receive long-term treatment focused on changing an offender’s thinking and behavior patterns is a critical step in addressing the public safety concerns surrounding impaired driving.
Spreading Hope
Our programs at Advent eLearning focus on identifying the root causes of an offender’s behavior and educating users on techniques and resources to assist them with the long-term management of their behaviors. This path is designed to lead to long-term success while avoiding the negative impacts of traditional sentencing. Our goal is to help the users of our eLearning programs by intervening as soon as possible, changing their unhealthy thinking and behaviors, and helping them to find new, healthier ways of coping with their issues.
Advent eLearning offers a wide range of options for organizations looking to better serve their clients and communities. If you’re interested in alternative sentencing and diversion options, you can review Advent’s eLearning programs with no costs or obligations for your organization. Contact us today to get started.