All4Knox Recognizes National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Knox County, Tenn. – With more cars on the road surrounding holidays, December has been marked as a more dangerous time to drive. That’s why it has been named National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. All4Knox, with support from the Knox County Health Department, is raising awareness of this preventable issue through a new social media campaign.
In 2023, Knox County had the fourth highest number of alcohol-related crashes and ranked third in the state for alcohol-related crash deaths. These tragedies are preventable.
“Impaired driving isn’t just a risk to the driver—it endangers everyone in our community,” said Elissa Winzenburg, co-chair for All4Knox’s Prevention and Education team. “Through this campaign, we aim to bring people together to understand the serious consequences of driving impaired and to promote safe, responsible habits. Our goal is to spark conversations, raise awareness, and ultimately create a community where safety on the roads is a shared commitment.”
Impaired driving happens when someone operates a vehicle while under the influence of substances. This can include alcohol, certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and illicit drugs.
Driving impaired is an avoidable risk. All4Knox encourages all drivers to take proactive steps to ensure they are driving safely:
- Plan Ahead: If you’re planning to drink or use substances that impair your ability to drive, make arrangements for alternative transportation, such as a designated driver, taxi, or ridesharing service.
- Know Your Limits: Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can impair driving. Always err on the side of caution.
- Speak Up: If you see someone about to drive impaired, don’t hesitate to speak up. Encourage them to find a safe alternative.
For more resources, visit All4Knox.org.
