The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning drivers to be cautious and aware while traveling for the holidays.
On average, one person is killed approximately 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash, totaling more than 13,000 lives lost each year.
According to the DOT, that rate rises during the Christmas and New Year holiday periods, with recent data showing December drunk driving deaths are the highest in almost 15 years.
As a result, law enforcement has increased efforts to raise awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs from December 13 to January 1.
Here are a few tips drivers can follow to be safe while traveling throughout the holiday season:
- Never drink and drive
- Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking
- If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure everyone has a sober ride home
- Call 911 if you see a drunk driver
- Always wear your seat belt
