Be a Responsible Driver This Holiday Season

• December 19, 2022
• Automobile Accidents, Driver Safety

December is a  time when many engage in drinking alcohol during the holidays. It also makes it a good time for alcohol awareness campaigns such as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over to remind people that drinking and driving do not mix. Alcohol use impairs judgment, delays reaction times, and drunk driving can be deadly. Be a responsible driver, use these tips and drive sober.

According to the NHTSA, in 2020, there were 11,654 people killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes accounting for nearly one-third of the crash fatalities that year.

• However, drunk driving is more prevalent during the holidays. During New Year’s and Christmas periods in 2020, there were 209 drunk-driving-related fatalities.

Stay Safe. Be a Responsible Driver.

Enjoy the holiday season but do it in a safe manner so that you, your loved ones and others do not suffer the consequences of an alcohol-related accident.

Arrive Home Alive

Know how you will be getting home at the end of your outing. Be sure to have a back-up plan in case something changes.

• Identify a designated driver and ensure that person has not had any alcohol to drink before getting into a car with him or her. If s/he has, go to your back up plan.
• Carry contact information for cab companies or car services in your wallet or on your phone. As we get closer to the holidays, some companies may even offer special fares.
• Download ride-sharing apps to your phone. You can even pre-populate your information to make it a quicker process.
• Know what public transportation runs by where you will be, such as the bus.

Safety Tips When Drinking Alcohol

• When drinking alcohol, allow at least one hour between drinks because it takes one hour to get rid of one drink from your body.
• Set limits as to the number of drinks you plan to have.
• Alternate drinking alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks, such as soda, juice and water. It is always helpful to eat food while drinking alcohol, too.
• Do not mix alcohol with over-the-counter or prescription medications or illegal drugs.

Hosting an Event Serving Alcohol

• Know who the designated drivers of your guests are. If they do not have one, know how they plan to get home.
• Collect each guest’s keys as they arrive. Do not return the keys to someone who has been drinking; give the keys to that person’s designated driver or other ride home.
• Serve food or snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Stop serving alcohol 1 to 2 hours before your party ends.

Need More Information?

• The Truth about Holiday Spirits
• 6 Tips for Hosting a Safe Holiday Party
• NHTSA – Drunk Driving

Stay safe this holiday season. Drive responsibly.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published December 10, 2019. It was reviewed on December15, 2022, updated for content and accuracy and re-published on December 19, 2022.