Don't Drink and Drive! | Tips to Avoid Drunk Driving

~Your choice to protect someone's life~

🍶 That 'just one drink' ruins everything

'Just one drink is fine'
'The way home is short, and an accident won't happen'

Have you ever thought that?

But, everyone who ruined their life with drunk driving thought the same thing.

Drunk driving causes over 200 fatal accidents every year and takes many lives. Furthermore, the penalties are severe, and in some cases, license revocation, imprisonment, and liability for damages in the millions of yen are imposed.

In this article, to prevent such tragedies, I will introduce:

• The reality and risks of drunk driving

• Why people end up driving drunk

• 'Techniques to avoid it' you can do right now

• Useful products and services that can help

I will introduce these.

In an era where 'not drinking' and 'not driving' are not enough to prevent it, how can you protect yourself and those around you?
I will delve into this while also incorporating my own experiences.

🚨 The reality of drunk driving: The seriousness told by the numbers

Are drunk driving accidents in Japan actually increasing?

According to National Police Agency statistics, about 3,000 accidents caused by drunk driving occurred in 2023, of which 213 were fatal accidents. Although the number of cases is decreasing, there are reports that it is on an upward trend after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The severity of the penalties is beyond imagination

• Driving under the influence: Up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen

• Drunk driving: Up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 1 million yen

• Penalties also extend to passengers and those who provide the vehicle

In other words, even "non-drivers" could be held criminally liable.

🚗 Why do people drink and drive? The traps of psychology and illusion

1. Impaired judgment due to alcohol

Thinking "I'm not drunk" is the most dangerous thing. Driving after drinking not only
prevents you from making sound judgments, but also dulls your sense of speed and distance.

2. The pressure to "get home" after a drinking party

Missing the last train, not being able to catch a taxi... Such anxiety leads to
justifying to yourself that you can "just drive a little bit."

3. Peer pressure

The casual attitude of "You'll be fine even if you drink, right?" and peer pressure. An environment where
there is no one to stop you is the most dangerous.

✅ Do this now! Concrete ways to avoid drunk driving

Decide in advance whether you will "drink or drive"

• If you decide to drink, don't come by car

• Arrange transportation (designated driver, public transport, hotel stay) in advance

Utilize apps and services

• Designated driver apps (e.g., AIRCLE, DiDi Daiko)

• Kaerema-Taxi: Peace of mind late at night by splitting the fare

• Hotel booking sites near stations: Stay cheaply even at the last minute

Cooperate with those around you

• Set a "drunk driving eradication rule" at your company or club

• Have the party organizer "confirm how everyone is getting home"

Carry a breathalyzer

Pocket-sized breathalyzers (approx. 2,000 yen and up) are now available.
You can measure your blood alcohol concentration just by blowing into it.

📌【Recommended Items】
👉 Tanita Portable Breathalyzer EA-100
→ Compact & accurate, suitable for use at work or home

📖 A True Story: The Reality of Regret

Just 10 minutes of driving can change your life forever

Case: After a year-end party, a person claimed they were "sober enough" and drove. On the way home, they hit a pedestrian at an intersection. Fortunately, the victim survived, but the driver was charged with professional negligence, had their license revoked, and lost their job.

Even after that, they struggled with paying compensation and finding new employment, and their life was completely transformed.
Even now, they say, "I wish I could have punched myself that day to stop me."

🛡️ Efforts to Prevent Drunk Driving in Companies and Communities

• Automakers: Developing ignition control systems linked to alcohol detection (e.g., Toyota, Nissan)

• Municipal campaigns: Zero Drunk Driving Month, subsidies for designated driver services

• Educational awareness: Implementing "risks of drinking" education in high schools and universities

🛍️ List of Recommended Services & Items

• AIRCLE (Designated Driver App) Call a driver immediately Official Website

• Station-adjacent hotel booking app "Relux" Same-day discounts available Relux

🌱 Summary: What Matters is the "Step After Drinking"

Drunk driving is an act that can definitely be prevented if you choose to.Thinking "just one drink" could destroy someone's life and steal your own future.

Let's confirm once more:

• Don't come by car, don't let others drive, don't drive yourself

• Secure a way home in advance

• Manage yourself with apps and tools

• Build a support system with those around you

For yourself, for your loved ones, and for society.
Your small choices lead to great safety.

If you found this article even a little bit helpful, I would be very happy if you could 'like,' 'comment,' or 'follow'!
*I basically follow back 100%.

Click here for my self-introduction article

Click here for Nakashi's Alcohol Magazine

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