By Lopez Island Prevention Coalition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but because of the increased prevalence of impaired driving during the holidays, it can also be dangerous.

Last year, President Obama designated December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.  A driver is impaired if he or she is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is distracted by texting or talking on a cell phone.

Even a small amount of alcohol can affect critical driving-related skills and decision-making abilities.  Drugs, whether illicit or prescription, can affect motor skills and judgment.  Distracted driving, such as driving while texting, can also be life threatening.

The Lopez Island Prevention Coalition encourages all community members to make responsible driving decisions this holiday season.  As first responders and members of the Coalition, Deputy Scott Taylor and paramedic Tracie Red Elk know how a life can be altered or destroyed by the consequences of impaired driving.

“Working with Scott and Tracie helps bring safety issues to the table of prevention,” says Georgeana Cook, LIPC Executive Coordinator. “Their collaborative efforts, along with input from other sectors of our community, help ensure balance in the work that we do.”

The LIPC, along with its partners – the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department and Lopez Island Fire and EMS, offers a few tips for staying safe this holiday season, gleaned from publications by the National Institutes of Health.

— If you’re hosting a party, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options, provide high protein and carbohydrate foods to slow the effects of alcohol, and stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the end of the event.

— If you’re attending a party where there will be alcohol, decide ahead of time on a safe number of drinks and stick to it.

— Make sure you have a safe way to get home.  The best designated driver is someone who hasn’t had any alcohol, not just the person who drank the least.

— Never text while driving and always use a hands-free device if you must talk on the phone. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see someone making a decision that could endanger himself or others.

As we move into the month of December, the LIPC and its community partners wish everyone a safe holiday season and encourage the Lopez community to recognize the risks of impaired driving and take precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.