As an emergency physician at Grady Memorial Hospital and director of the Emory Center for Injury Control, Dr. Deb Houry has seen her share of injuries related to drunk driving, especially around the holidays.

 

"During the holiday season we see more 'buzzed' drivers coming from holiday events. All it takes is a few drinks to get in a car crash," Houry said. "Your ability to respond quickly to a swerving car or a changing traffic light is impaired."

 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 277 alcohol impaired driving fatalities in Georgia in 2011.

 

NHTSA has launched a national campaign, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," to crack down on drunk driving during the holiday season, especially on New Year's Eve when motor vehicle traffic crashes peak. There is zero tolerance from law enforcement for those who choose to drive while intoxicated. Anyone caught with a BAC of 0.08 grams or higher will be immediately arrested and taken to jail -- no excuses.

 

Along with driving under the influence, walking under the influence is a bad idea, too.

 

"I see patients all the time who were hit by a car after they crossed a street because they were intoxicated and not paying attention to oncoming traffic," Houry said.

 

Lisa Dawson, director of the Office of Injury Prevention for the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), cautions Georgians to drink responsibly to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others.

"If you are drinking even socially, err on the side of caution," Dawson said. "Have a designated driver who has had no alcohol."

 

-Story by Judith Chuang, DPH Communications