National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration remind us to celebrate this holiday season safely.

Between family gatherings, office holiday parties, and friendly get-togethers at this time of the year, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun that can often turn deadly. According to one source, New Year’s Day is the holiday with the most DUI fatalities, with a risk of 232% higher than average. In December 2010, on average, there were 25 people killed in alcohol-impaired driving car crashes per day. To reduce harm in your community, the NHTSA is asking you to avoid the following:

•            Avoid alcohol, especially if you are a minor

•            Only serve minors at parties, especially if you are an adult

•            Encourage others to find a safe ride home if they have been drinking

•            Contact law enforcement when you see an impaired driver on the road

These actions may save someone’s life, and consequentially, your inaction can cost as much.