Are you ready for the fun and festivities of the year’s end? Three of our favorite holidays close banks, empty schools, and leave work to be completed after the dwindling excitement. And while there are many joyful things happening, the festivities can be disrupted by drunk driving. Let’s make this year smarter and safer on the road.
Did you know that 40% of highway deaths occurring on Thanksgiving are alcohol-related? The average is slightly less for Christmas, but rises to 58% for New Years. Not only are there more accidents, but law enforcement anticipates an increase in drunk driving. They set up check points, and pull over suspicious vehicles seeking to keep us safe. As a result, DUI arrests in many states increase by as much as 40% in December.
It sounds easy to say, don’t drink and drive, but sometimes challenges arise. You’ve got places to be, it’s cold, responsibilities to take care of, others are ready to go, etc. It’s not always being caught up in the moment, but the results are the same. So what can you do to avoid problems?
Here are some tips:
The national blood alcohol level is .08. If doubt exists, error on the side of caution, and find an alternative to driving personally.
Know when you’re going to drink, and make a plan to get around.
Have a designated driver.
Hail a taxi, or call an Uber driver.
Use public transportation.
With all the holiday fun, remember to keep yourself, passengers, and fellow drivers safe! It can save money, trouble, and heartache.