“Don’t drunk and drive drinking.” Sound familiar? This is how your brain thinks and sometimes how you speak when intoxicated. If you cannot speak and be understood, how can you drive home safely?
Operating a motor vehicle takes more brain power than one might think. Your mind needs to be sharp and your vision needs to be clear and not blurry as you may need to take immediate action in order to avoid a car or pedestrian crash.
Alcohol affects your brain which in return affects your motor skills and reflexes. Combine this with using prescription medications, marijuana, narcotics or a combination, and you are setting yourself up for disaster.
Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs not only puts you at risk but, other drivers and families as well. Yes, I said families. Just like you, motorists on the road with you and even pedestrians alongside the roadways have families and they want to get home to them just as you do.
Driving under the influence of anything that affects your ability to think and react in a split second is just not wise. Drive sober and remember that you have a responsibility not only to your family but, to other families whose lives are in your hands when you operate a motor vehicle.
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel is with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and writes regular public safety columns. He can be reached at smcdaniel@carson.org