The holiday season is a particularly dangerous time on the road. Alcohol-related crashes spike between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the death toll from DUI crashes is consistently higher between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Young adults, men and nighttime drivers are at greatest risk of being involved in some type of alcohol-related accident.

Unintended Consequences

During the holidays, law enforcement is aggressively looking for impaired drivers. Getting caught for impaired driving can result in arrest, loss of driving privileges, higher insurance rates, lost time at work, court costs, fines and attorney’s fees.

When you drink and drive, you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk. Be responsible, and don’t let your holiday celebrations end in tragedy.

Plan Ahead

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins.
• If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash.
• If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life.