Drive Sober This December — and Every Month

While we know the most precious gifts should be delivered safe and sober, more and more people are choosing to drive drunk during December. Data from NHTSA shows December drunk driving deaths are the highest in nearly 15 years.

To help combat impaired driving, NHTSA reminds you: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different – Drive High Get a DUI. These campaigns, which run Dec. 13 through Jan. 1, aim to educate people about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. During this period, law enforcement will be stepping up patrols nationwide to get impaired drivers off the roads.

DRUNK DRIVING

In December 2021, the most recent data year available, 1,013 people died in drunk driving traffic crashes – the most since 2007. From 2017 to 2021, NHTSA recorded more than 4,500 deaths in drunk driving traffic crashes during the month of December. The tragedy of these deaths is felt year-round, but for many, most strongly during the holidays.

DRUG-IMPAIRED DRIVING

Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is illegal in all 50 states. From 2019-2021, NHTSA conducted a study at several trauma centers and medical examiner offices involving drivers who were seriously injured or killed. The study found that among drivers in trauma centers, about 25% had active THC, which is found in marijuana, in their system. 

TIPS TO GET HOME SAFELY

Whether you’re driving, riding or hosting, use these tips to keep you and others safe during this high-traffic time:

• Plan for a sober ride home and if you need to, designate someone to hold you accountable.
• If you chose to drink, don’t drive impaired. Call a sober friend, rideshare or taxi, or take public transportation to get home safely.
• If you’re hosting and see someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely — it will be the greatest gift you ever give them.