• 01
  • December
    2010

The holiday season is many people's favorite time of the year, and the last thing anyone wants for the holidays is a tragic car accident -- especially a drunk-driving accident. To help prevent heartbreaking drug- or alcohol-related car and truck accidents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has initiated a nationwide program called National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, or "3D Month," for short.

According to the CDC, there are 36 fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers each day in the United States. In fact, victims of drunk-driving accidents account for nearly a third of all traffic-related wrongful deaths in the U.S. There are also 700 drunk-driving injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents every single day.

Unfortunately, the risk of drunk-driving accidents is higher when we're celebrating holidays. This year, take a moment to consider what you can do to reduce the threat of drunk and drugged driving.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Friends From Drunk Driving

Whether you are hosting or attending a party where alcohol will be served, take active steps to prevent drunk driving:

  • Keep in mind that under Alabama law, social host and dram shop liability can hold bars, restaurants and even companies who host holiday parties responsible if their negligence contributes to a drunk-driving accident.
  • If you are hosting a personal or work-related holiday party, remind your guests to designate a sober driver, offer lots of alcohol-free beverages, and pay attention when your guests leave, so you know they're leaving with a sober driver.
  • Don't be afraid to take the keys. One way is to have a key deposit at the beginning of the party, before any drinking begins.
  • Make sure alcoholic beverages are supervised, so underage people don't have access.
  • If you're attending a party, make sure you designate a driver and have a back-up plan in case your safe ride falls through.

Remember, approximately 1.4 million drivers are arrested for DUI every year -- and the CDC says that number accounts for less than 1 percent of people surveyed who self-reported driving drunk.

DUI arrests and car accidents are about the least festive things that can happen during the holidays. We can all play a part in preventing these tragedies and promoting driver safety all year long. Have a happy holiday season!

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month"