The holidays are a time for shopping, gatherings with family and friends, special school programs and office parties. But there is a dark side to the holidays – the number of drunk driving fatalities.
In December 2022, 1,062 people died due to drunk drivers. So, here are some tips to keep you and others safe on the road.
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve should be a time of celebration. However, for some families, they become a period of tragedy. During the holidays, alcohol flows more freely, and plenty of people underestimate their level of intoxication, believing they are okay to drive. Their choice can have devastating consequences for everyone sharing the road.
December has been declared National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in order to bring awareness to the issue. We all need to recognize the risks and take steps to keep ourselves and others safe during the holidays and the whole year through. Here are some ways that can cultivate a culture of safety:
- Always arrange for a safe way to get home if you plan to drink. Rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, public transportation or having a designated driver are better alternatives to getting behind the wheel.
- If you are hosting a party, be sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. Encourage your guests to plan their transportation before drinking, and don’t hesitate to stop someone who appears intoxicated from driving.
- If you see your friend getting ready to drive after drinking, don’t be afraid to intervene. Offer to call them a cab or stay at your place until they sober up.
- Most drunk driving accidents occur after 6:00 PM. If you need to run errands, try to have them completed and be home before dark.
- If you notice a vehicle driving erratically, pull over to a safe spot and call 911.
The holidays should not be a time of heartbreak and loss. By being responsible for ourselves and the people around us, we can all do our part to make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
