Coalition News

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Everyday, millions of Americans travel on roadways. Thousands of these drivers and passengers tragically lose their lives each year because of drunk, drugged, or distracted driving.

Every day, 36 people in the United States die, and approximately 700 more are injured, in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This December, during National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, consider what you and your community can do to make injuries and deaths from impaired driving less of a threat.

The Problem

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives.

  • In 2006, 13,470 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.
  • In one year, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This accounts for less than 1% of the 159 million self-reported episodes of alcohol–impaired driving among U.S. adults each year.
  • Alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost about $51 billion a year.

According to the NH Highway Safety Agency.

  • In 2009, there were 97 fatal motor vehicle crashes.
  • 110 people were killed.
  • 32 of those deaths were alcohol related.

Protect Yourself and Your Family and Friends

During the holiday season, and year-round, take steps to make sure that you and everyone you celebrate with avoids driving under the influence of alcohol. Following these tips from the NHTSA help you stay safe:

  • Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.
  • Take the keys. Do not let a friend drive if they are impaired.
  • Be a helpful host. If you’re hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, always offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

“The holiday season is a time to celebrate, and no one should have to suffer the loss of a loved one at the hands of a drunk or drugged driver,” said Melissa Silvey, coordinator of ONE Voice for Southeastern New Hampshire.  “We ask everyone to take an active role in preventing debilitated driving, it is everyone’s responsibility.”

The Coalition