Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Driving while intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs and alcohol, is illegal. Drugs and alcohol negatively affect one’s ability to stay focused and alert, two things that are crucial to safe driving. This week we support the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” movement to keep our roads safe.
What is sober driving?
Sober driving is when you drive without having consumed any drugs or alcohol. Sober driving is how we should all be driving all of the time to keep ourselves and those around us safe.
How is sobriety measured?
Sobriety is measured by something called Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). This measurement is calculated by percentage and tells us what percent alcohol your blood is. When we drink alcohol, it goes into our bloodstream. When we drink too much alcohol, our BAC becomes a higher percentage. Measuring BAC allows us to see how much alcohol someone has consumed.
Driving while under the influence
Driving while under the influence is illegal everywhere, but different states have different laws and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In every state except Utah, your BAC must be under 0.08% (if you are 21 years or older) to be considered a sober driver. If you are younger than 21 years of age, many states use what is called a “zero tolerance law,” meaning you cannot have any traces of alcohol in your system at all to be considered a sober driver. In California, the law states that for those under 21 years of age your BAC must be under 0.01% to be considered a sober driver. To read more about the California state laws regarding sober driving, click HERE.
It is important to pay attention to your state’s laws, but the best way to be a sober driver is not drink at all when driving.
How to practice sober driving
The best way to be a safe and sober driver is to not consume any drugs or alcohol before driving. If you choose to drive under the influence you endanger your own life and the lives of everyone else on the road around you.
Here are some tips on how to make sure you and your loved ones practice safe and sober driving:
- Remember there are no exceptions. If you have been drinking, do not drive.
- Never ride in a car with a driver you think may have been drinking.
- Assign someone to be the “designated driver” before going out.
- Plan and attend safe events and gatherings.
- Support the “zero tolerance” law for sober driving.
- Talk to your children and teenagers about safe and sober driving.
- Click HERE for more tips on safe and sober driving.
Our Substance Abuse Services
Driving under the influence can be a one-time occurrence, but often times people who drive drunk have done it before and will do it again. Chapa-De offers many programs and services to help address substance abuse disorders, which can include driving under the influence.
Please click HERE to read more about our services and learn how to schedule an appointment.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, please call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2810 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley