December Awareness

This will be a December unlike any we’ve ever experienced. Stress levels are at an all-time high. Many of us aren’t able to get together with family and friends to celebrate holidays, and the end of 2020.

To show love for family, friends, and ourselves, let’s all share the news that December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. If you’re home or traveling during the holidays, you may be planning to go to a small party, get-together, or even just to have a few drinks with the socially-distanced family. If you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs, do not operate a vehicle.

So, why now? The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is described by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as “One of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.” This month we are all encouraged to drive sober, and defensively. Take care of each other, and let’s avoid any more tragedy in our lives.

  1. Always plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, and arrange for an alternative route home just in case.
  2. If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or even friend, talk to your loved ones to remind them how important it is to be responsible and stay safe.
  3. If you are the one hosting the party, always offer a non-alcoholic option for drinks for your guests so they can still have a good time eating and drinking with everyone else!