As we gear up for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, it’s crucial to remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching its annual St. Patrick’s Day Campaign from March 10-17, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and encourage everyone to plan for a safe, sober ride home.
Why This Campaign Matters
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays for celebrating with friends and family, often involving festive drinks and parties. However, it’s also one of the deadliest days on our nation’s roads due to alcohol-impaired driving. In recent years, there have been numerous preventable tragedies during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period. By spreading the message that buzzed driving is drunk driving, we can help save lives and make our communities safer.
Other Words for Drunk
Our vocabulary is always expanding to include new terms that express the same meaning. While ‘drunk’ might be one of the more common ways to reference intoxication, here are some other words used for ‘drunk’ that you might hear:
- Tipsy
- Buzzed
- Wasted
- Smashed
- Plastered
- Hammered
- Blitzed
- Sloshed
- Lit
- Blotto
- Tanked
- Inebriated
- Sauced
- Under the Influence
It’s important to understand that no matter what term is used, the effect is the same: impaired judgment and coordination, which can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal consequences when getting behind the wheel.
Buzzed Driving Includes Drugs Too
Buzzed driving isn’t limited to just alcohol. The use of drugs, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances, can also impair your ability to drive safely. Drugs can alter your perception, coordination, and reaction times, making it just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. This St. Patrick’s Day, be aware that drugged driving is also a serious concern, and it’s crucial to stay off the roads if you’ve consumed any substances that could impair your driving.
Resources and Tools
For more information and resources, visit the NHTSA’s Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving page. You’ll find themed materials, social media content, and sample news releases that you can use to help spread the message in your community. Talk to your friends and family about the dangers of impaired driving. Encourage them to make responsible choices and plan for a safe ride home.
This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s come together to make our roads safer and prevent unnecessary tragedies. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving—always drive sober or get a sober ride home. Together, we can make a difference and ensure everyone celebrates safely.