Drive Safe This December – Tips for Preventing Impaired Driving During the Holidays

December 19, 2024

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it’s also an important time to prioritize safety. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a reminder to make responsible choices and protect yourself and others on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving accidents increase during the holiday season, making it vital to take precautions. Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, here are some practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Hosting Safe Holiday Gatherings

  1. Offer Non-Alcoholic Drink Options
    Providing a variety of festive, non-alcoholic beverages ensures that guests who don’t drink—or are designated drivers—feel included in the festivities. Consider options like sparkling water, mocktails, or hot cocoa.

  2. Serve Food Alongside Alcohol
    Serving substantial food can help guests pace their alcohol consumption. Offer a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to balance out the beverages.

  3. Encourage Guests to Plan Ahead
    As a host, help guests think ahead by asking about their transportation plans. Encourage carpooling with a designated driver or arranging for ridesharing services.

  4. Be Prepared to Help
    Keep phone numbers for local taxi services or ridesharing apps handy. If needed, offer to arrange transportation for guests who may be impaired.

Tips for Party Attendees

  1. Plan Ahead
    If you’re planning to drink, decide on your transportation arrangements ahead of time. Use a ridesharing app, public transit, or ride with a designated driver.

  2. Pace Yourself
    Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic options to stay hydrated and limit alcohol consumption.

  3. Know Your Limits
    Be mindful of how alcohol affects you and stop drinking well before you plan to leave.

  4. Never Drink and Drive
    Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your judgment and reaction time. If you’ve been drinking, do not get behind the wheel under any circumstances.

Why It Matters

The consequences of impaired driving can be devastating. According to the NHTSA, nearly 30 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes—that's one person every 50 minutes. Choosing to drive sober or ensuring others do the same can save lives.

Let’s make this holiday season joyful and safe for everyone by prioritizing responsible decisions. Together, we can reduce impaired driving and ensure everyone makes it home safely.

Sources:

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): nhtsa.gov
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): madd.org