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ICJI > Traffic Safety > About Traffic Safety > Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

This "social-norming" campaign primarily targets Indiana men ages 18-44 who drink and drive, yet do not consider themselves "drunk drivers", or true hazards on the roadways. Recognizing that “buzzed” is the drinking-level descriptor word of choice among the target demographic, rather than “drunk” which is often viewed as being clearly “out of control” or “obviously impaired,” the Traffic Safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute hopes to get more young men talking about and recognizing the real dangers of “buzzed” driving.

Preventing Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is no accident - nor is it a victimless crime. It's not easy to tell when you' ve had way too many, but even one too many means you shouldn't drive. Tragedies that result from alcohol-related crashes can be prevented if everyone exercised some simple precautions:

  • Plan ahead. If you expect to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
  • If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
  • Spend the night where your activity is being held;
  • Report impaired drivers to law enforcement;
  • Always buckle up - a seat belt is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The Consequences of Impaired Driving

Driving or riding a motorcycle while impaired is not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only could you kill yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest (www.in.gov/cji/3103.htm) for driving while impaired can be significant.

In many jurisdictions, if you refuse a sobriety test you can lose your license and have your car impounded. There is also the added embarrassment and humiliation that occurs when one discloses their actions to family, friends and employers.

Violators often face the following:

  • Jail time;
  • Loss of license;
  • Higher insurance rates;
  • Countless unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, court costs, car repairs, towing expenses, lost time at work, and more.

Buzzed Driving Media