The month of December is one of the busiest on the nation’s roadways, and also one of the most dangerous, due to a high incidence of alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. During December 2010, 25 people were killed in drunk driving crashes per day on average.
December has been designated National Impaired Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In issuing his proclamation, President Obama urges all Americans to “make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to preventimpaired driving.”
MADD has these tips to help ensure everyone’s safety this holiday season:
- If your plans involve alcohol, plan ahead for a safe way home. Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash. Designate a sober driver, Give the Gift of a Designated Driver®, or arrange another safe way home.
- If you’ve been drinking use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.
- If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Your actions may save someone’s life.
- Always buckle up, drive with caution, and don’t hesitate to call 911 to report a suspected drunk driver. Just because you made the right decision to drive sober, others on the road may not have.
No one thinks that their holiday celebration will end in tragedy. But for those who include alcohol in their celebrations and then get behind the wheel, this is too often the case. Drunk driving deaths and injuries are 100% preventable, so do your part this holiday season by choosing to drive safe and sober and help others do the same.
