The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family. But it’s also a time to make sure you are keeping safe the ones you love. Whether you’re at a family holiday gathering, a New Year’s Eve bash, or at a bar with friends, many of your social plans will involve driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the winter holiday season (December 26th to New Year’s Eve) has one of the highest incidences of drunk driving fatalities.
A few alarming stats:
- During last year’s holiday season alone, 830 lives were lost in drunk driving crashes.
- Last year, deaths in crashes involving drunk drivers increased 4.6 percent, taking 10,322 lives compared to 9,865 in 2011.
- Buzzed driving can cost around $10,000 in fines, legal fees and increased insurance rates.
Ring in the New Year safely and plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before you go out this year, and advise your friends and family to do the same.
