Practice Safe Driving This Holiday Season – A PSA

Mon, 12/18/2017 - 4:24 am by Kirsten Rincon

Cop Breathalyzing The holiday season is a time of celebration. A time when friends and family get together, socialize, and enjoy each others company. Here at DMV.com we would like to remind the public that with celebration comes responsibility – for yourself and for your loved ones. 

According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 31% of all traffic fatalities are caused by drunk driving. That is 9,878 American deaths every year. To make matters worse, the number increased by 444 in 2012. 

We can stop this trend in 2013. On average, 45 people die in alcohol-related accidents each day near the end of December (a 30% increase compared to other months), making it the most dangerous time of year to drive. It’s important to remember that the rise in drunk driving related accidents and fatalities starts with the celebrations we have with friends and family.

Let’s make this holiday season safer by reducing the number of drunk drivers on the road. Here’s what you can do:

Plan Ahead

Have a plan for how you will get home, and if you’re the host, have a plan for your guests. Designate a driver or know the number for a cab before the party begins.

Be Aware

Remember that alcohol is not the purpose of a gathering. Be aware of how much alcohol is being consumed, keep non alcoholic beverages readily available, and don’t let others give in to social pressures.

Stand Up

Stopping somebody from drinking and driving is the right thing to do. Even if the potential drunk driver is older and has more experience, they are a risk to themselves and others: drivers aged 35 to 44 account for a quarter of DUI related fatalities. 

By following the precautions above and practicing sensible decision making, we can make the roads safer for everybody this December. The holidays are a time for joy, not tragedy – Together we can stop drunk driving related deaths. Don’t drink and drive.

A Public Service Announcement from DMV.com