As we embrace the joy of the holiday season, it’s important to remember that this time of celebration also coincides with National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. While it’s a season of love, connection, and laughter, it’s also a period when accidents related to alcohol and drug use tragically increase.
Let’s pause and consider the impact. In 2022 alone, 32% of traffic-related deaths—totaling 13,524 lives lost—were due to accidents involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08. Even more concerning is that approximately 16% of drivers involved in fatal crashes had a BAC below the legal limit. This shows us that even smaller amounts of alcohol can impair driving and lead to devastating consequences.
The problem doesn’t stop with alcohol. In 2021, over 13 million people aged 16 and older admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, and nearly 12 million said they drove after using drugs, including marijuana. These numbers are staggering and reveal how easy it is for any of us—or those we care about—to underestimate the risks.
Let’s be honest. Many of us have heard someone say something like, “I drive better after a drink” or “I’m more relaxed after smoking marijuana.” But the reality is stark. Research shows these substances impair our ability to safely judge, react, and operate a vehicle.
Thinking otherwise is a dangerous illusion.
But here’s the good news: there are simple steps we can take to keep ourselves and others safe.
1. Plan Ahead
- If you’re heading to a party, arrange transportation in advance. Use a ride-share app, call a taxi, or designate a sober driver.
2. Host Responsibly
- If you’re hosting, consider your guests’ safety. Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks and stop serving alcohol well before the night ends. Make sure no one leaves without a safe way home.
3. Watch Out for Each Other
- If you notice someone who’s been drinking or using substances and they’re planning to drive, step in. It might feel awkward, but preventing a potential tragedy is worth it. Take their keys and help them find a safe ride or a place to stay.
4. Speak Up Against Unsafe Driving
- If you see erratic or dangerous driving, don’t hesitate to alert law enforcement. Reporting could prevent a crash and save lives—including your own and those you love.
| The Effects of Blood Alcohol Concentration | ||
| Blood Alcohol Concentrations | Typical Effects | Predictable Effects on Driving |
| .02 | Some loss of judgment, relation, slight body warmth, altered mood | The decline in visual functions (rapid tracking of a moving target), decline in the ability to perform two tasks at the same time (divided attention) |
| .05 | Exaggerated behavior may have a loss of small-muscle control (e.g., focusing your eyes), impaired judgment, usually a good feeling, lowered alertness, and the release of inhibition. | Reduced coordination, reduced ability to track moving objects, difficulty steering, reduced response to emergency driving situations |
| .08 | Muscle coordination becomes poor (e.g., balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing) | Concentration, short-term memory loss, speed control, reduced information processing capability (e.g., signal detection, visual search), impaired perception |
| .10 | Reaction time and control deterioration, slurred speech, poor coordination, and slowed thinking. | Reduced ability to maintain lane position and brack appropriately |
| .15 | Far less muscle control than usual, vomiting may occur, and significant loss of balance. | Substantial impairment in vehicle control, attention to driving tasks, and necessary visual and auditory information processing |
Let’s cherish the people around us this holiday season by prioritizing their safety. The festivities are even sweeter when everyone makes it home safely to create more memories together. You matter. The people you love matter. Let’s all take care of each other. Stay safe, and let’s make this holiday season truly joyous.