December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

December is designated as the National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.  This is a time set aside to raise the awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Be Prepared and Be Aware on the roads.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) had this to say about  the month of December, “is one of the busiest on the nation’s roadways, and also one of the most dangerous, due to a high incidence of alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes.  During December 2009, there were 753 people killed in traffic crashes that involved a drunk driver.”

MADD also had these suggestions to help ensure everyone’s safety this holiday season:

• Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin;
• Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol the last hour of the gathering;
• Never serve alcohol to those under the age of 21;
• If you’ve been drinking, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.