Impaired Driving Claims Nearly 300 Lives Each Holiday Season
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 300 people are killed each year in drunk-driving related fatalities during the holiday season. These accidents are completely preventable if people simply choose to drive sober. NHTSA regularly partners with local law enforcement agencies to reduce impaired driving leading up to Christmas and through the New Year.
Campaign efforts include increased mobilization enforcement, paid media campaigns, additional patrols, and education projects. It is not only alcohol but also drugs that can cause devastation. According to NHTSA, “In 2017, 45% of the drivers killed in fatal crashes who were tested for drugs, tested positive.”
Alcohol- and drug-impaired driving takes numerous lives every single year. In 2018, there were over 10,500 people that were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes. Alcohol- and drug-impaired traffic deaths account for nearly one-third of the total yearly traffic fatalities each year. The results of driving under the influence can cost someone their license, their freedom, or even their life.
This holiday season, NHTSA reminds people to drive sober or get pulled over. 2020 has been unlike any other. Hopefully, it will make headlines for another reason – lower numbers of DUI arrests, convictions, and alcohol- or drug-related traffic fatalities.
If you are unable to stop drinking, there are options. Treatment is available throughout the pandemic and the holiday season. Now is the time to make a life-changing decision that could save your life or someone else’s. As NHTSA said, “This holiday season, give the gift of sober driving.”