Did you know that hundreds of lives are lost due to drunk drivers every holiday season?
Drunk driving is a problem on our nation’s roads every day, but it’s more prevalent during the holidays. Nationally, over the past five years, an average of 300 people died in drunk driving crashes the week between Christmas and New Year, according to Transportation.gov. Alcohol-impaired fatalities make up more than a quarter of all crash fatalities. In 2016, 781 people lost their lives in drunk-driving-related crashes in the month of December alone.
From Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s night, the National Highway Safety Patrol estimates about 45 drunk driving deaths happen each day, with the hours from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. being the most likely times motorists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists will share the road with an impaired driver.
If you are planning to attend a New Year’s Eve party or other festive gathering this week, please make smart choices and plan out how you’re going to get home safely once the celebration ends. Law enforcement agencies will increase patrols looking for impaired drivers, so it’s important to plan ahead!
Of course, you can reduce the toll of drunk driving this Holiday season by never drinking and driving or planning a safe ride with a designating a sober driver. You can phone a friend or utilize the services of a taxi, Lyft, or Uber.
I am pointing out the obvious here and this is a personal plea, please don’t drink and drive ever. You are family, and I want nothing but the best for you and for you to be safe. Enjoy this Holiday season responsibly!
I look forward to seeing you in 2020, and beyond!
Brian
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