As we celebrate the Christmas holidays this time of year, we also need to keep in mind that some people might be celebrating a little too much — and they might have the keys to a vehicle in their hand.

Vehicle crashes and fatalities are on the upswing, unfortunately, this time of year, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, or National 3B Prevention Month. There are parties and get-togethers planned throughout the holidays, but officials warn of the dangers of having too much to drink or being under the effects of drugs, prescribed or otherwise and getting behind the wheel.

In December 2017, there were 24 alcohol-related traffic deaths in the state and over a five-year period, there were 300 alcohol-related traffic fatalities across the U.S. 

If you know you’re going to be out and drinking, make sure you have a way home that doesn’t involve putting you behind the wheel. Use a designated driver or make other arrangements for a sober ride home.

Also, talk to your loved ones and remind them how important it is for them to to stay safe and sober on the roads. If you are hosting a party, make sure there are non-alcoholic options for your guests. 

It is better to be around to enjoy the holidays than it is to be one of its tragic statistics or to cause one of them.