Although many people associate December with the holidays, it is also Drunk Driver Awareness Month. The two go hand in hand, as festive celebrations often involve alcoholic drinks, and many individuals travel by car to visit family during this time of year. It’s a crucial period to remind everyone about the significance of handing over the keys to a sober driver when consuming alcohol.

The increased number of cars on the road and heightened festivities often lead to more alcohol consumption, late-night driving, and challenging weather conditions become more common. The National Association of Drug Court Professionals describes the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day as “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.” Every day, nearly 30 people in the United States lose their lives in drunk-driving crashes – that’s one person every 50 minutes. While these numbers have decreased by a third in the last three decades, drunk-driving crashes still claim more than 10,000 lives each year.

To ensure a safe holiday season, consider the following tips:

• Plan ahead for events involving alcohol and ensure you have a safe way home. Never drive under the influence. Plan a safe way home before consuming any alcohol or impairing substances.
• If you need to drive, bring your own non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy without pressure.
• Support friends by preventing them from drinking and driving.
• Always wear your seatbelt, whether riding or driving.
• Gift the community the importance of sober driving this holiday season.
• If you witness a drunk driver, call local law enforcement.

For those in need of professional help for substance use, the RISE Recovery Team at Mid-State Health Center is available.

“We understand the challenges individuals face during the holidays, and our team is here to provide support and resources for those struggling with substance use disorders,” said Scott Leighton, RISE Director at Mid-State Health Center. To access assistance or learn more about the services offered, contact RISE services directly at 603-217-6300, or learn more at midstatehealth.org.