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Show Wednesday, May 7, 2003 Vernal Express Trooper Talk Dm pa Sired! clhairDgje By Sr. Trooper Jack Peterson Most of us are familiar with the problems that are caused by drivers that have been dnnking. It was only a few years ago, that the statistics here in the Basin indicated that 87 percent of the fatalities involved alcohol. Recently, we have seen a significant reduction in the number of fatalities caused by drunk drivers. Much of this reduction can be attributed to the public becoming more responsible in the way they use alcohol. That attitude has undoubtedly saved many lives. As the people that have misused alcohol in the past try to become more responsible with its use, we are all better protected. Many are familiar with the problems caused by drivers that are impaired by drugs. Despite the fact that we live in a rural community, we are still affected by the amount of illegal drugs used here. Even more surprising is the amount of drugs that are used by people that forget their doctors instructions or forget to read the instructions on prescribed medications. You may have heard that we as a state use more prescription drugs Utah Electronic College dltfweirs DSes per capita than any other. That is the truth. Unfortunately, the more people that are using drugs that can impair their ability to drive, the higher the percentage of individuals who abuse their privilege to drive. When that happens, the chance that someone is going to get hurt increases. Officers from other law enforcement agencies are also seeing an increase in the number of drivers that are impaired by misusing prescription drugs. Most people arrested for impaired driving dont think that they might hurt someone. They think they can deal with the effects of whatever is their causing impairment. Unfortunately, a persons ability to judge their own abilities is one of the first things lost when alcohol or drugs are misused. Some people dont even really look at the things that their doctor has prescribed for them. They dont realize that one little pill that makes them feel better may be effective because it has impairing qualities. People say they have only taken something mild and then found out it has a narcotic base. Or they used some muscle relaxers to help them feel more comfortable on a trip. It is time to stop giving all the blame of impaired driving to people who use alcohol irresponsibly and look at the way each of us is prepared to operate a vehicle. Do you think that the only people that are affected by these kinds of drivers are those drivers themselves? If you havent heard, that is not the case. People that are involved in crashes are likely to get hurt. They are not necessarty the impaired driver. As we approach this Memorial Day weekend, it is time for all of us to think about the way we drive. Consider the way tha you feel before you start driving. Think about the medications that you have been taking. Don't drive if you are going to start your driving in an angry mood. Understand that you can control many of the things that you deal with if you just think about what you are doing. Plan for getting to where you want to go. Know the area and know what kind of driving is required of you. Pay attention to road signs and indicators that will make your driving safer. The saying that safety is no accident" is never more true than when you are t J - ' t c Reservations Accepted , 781-303- 0 1684 W Hwy 40 Sunday 10:30 am - 4 pm driving. When you see me, dont think of insurance.. When you need insurance, ff rv V Adults $14.99, Seniors $12.99, Children Children under 5 eat free SEE ME! (6-1- 2) At Tke Weston Plaza Hotel Steamship Round Carvet I Tahleside Virginia Baked Ham Aux Cherries. 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