Officials warn against impaired driving during holiday season
The winter holiday season brings parties and festivities — and an increase in drunk driving on the roads. To help keep drivers and passengers safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office remind the public: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal traffic crashes in the United States, particularly during the holidays. From 2018 to 2022, 4,759 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in December alone. In December 2022, 1,062 people died in such crashes.
Men and younger drivers are at the highest risk. According to NHTSA, drunk male drivers accounted for 22% of fatal crashes in December 2022, compared to 16% for female drivers. Drivers ages 21-34 made up 25% of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes that month.
“Driving is a privilege, not a right,” Sheriff Shawn Stephens said. “We want our community to have a joy-filled holiday season, but we want everyone to do so responsibly, which means refraining from drinking and driving. The consequences are long and can stay with you for a lifetime.”
To stay safe during the holidays, officials urge drivers to plan ahead if they intend to drink. Drivers should arrange for a designated sober driver, use a taxi, or call a rideshare service.
“Don’t wait until after drinking to figure out how to get home,” Stephens said. “Impairment clouds judgment.”
If a driver realizes they cannot drive safely, they should hand their keys to a sober person. Friends should step in to prevent someone from driving impaired by taking their keys and arranging for a safe ride home.
Anyone who spots a drunk driver is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
For more information about the dangers of impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
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