SAFE GC Coalition: Drive Sober this December and Always

While we know the most precious gifts should be delivered safe and sober, more and more people are choosing to drive drunk during December. Data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows December drunk driving deaths are the highest in 15 years.

In December 2022, the most recent data year available, 1,062 people died in drunk driving traffic crashes – the most since 2007. From 2018 to 2022, NHTSA recorded more than 4,750 deaths in drunk driving traffic crashes during the month of December. The tragedy of these deaths is felt year-round, but for many, most strongly during the holidays.

Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is illegal in all 50 states. From 2019-2021, NHTSA conducted a study at several trauma centers and medical examiner offices involving drivers who were seriously injured or killed. The study found that among drivers in trauma centers, about 25% had active THC, which is found in marijuana, in their system.

Whether you’re driving, riding or hosting, use these tips to keep you and others safe during this high-traffic time:

• Plan for a sober ride home and if you need to, designate someone to hold you accountable.
• If you chose to drink, don’t drive impaired. Call a sober friend, rideshare or taxi, or take public transportation to get home safely.

· If you’re hosting and see someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.

The SAFE Glen Cove Coalition was formed in 2003 to change societal norms about alcohol and substance use. The Coalition is concerned about excessive alcohol use in youth and adults and seeks to educate the community about its negative effects on one’s health, safety and wellness. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on www.facebook.com/safeglencovecoalition or visit SAFE’s website to learn more about Alcohol and its negative consequences please visit www.safeglencove.org