It is something we cannot stress enough and this month, as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month takes place each December.

Even in our time of social distancing and limiting the number of people at gatherings, there are still going to be those who have one too many or take a medication or take an illegal substance and grab the keys. 

The National Association of Drug Court Professionals call the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 285 drunk-driving related fatalities during the Christmas and New Year’s period in 2018. For the year, there were more than 10,500 people killed in crashes stemming from drunk driving. That’s nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities.

In 2017, 45% of the drivers killed in fatal crashes who were tested for drugs had positive tests. 

As National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month — or National 3D Prevention Month as it is also called — is upon us, here are some recommendations to follow to make it safer for everybody:

• Always plan ahead. Designate a sober driver and arrange for an alternative route home, just in case.

• Talk to your loved ones and remind them how important it is to be responsible and stay safe.

• If you are a party’s host, make sure there are non-alcoholic beverage options available for your guests. 

• If you see an impaired driver on the road, notify law enforcement immediately.

• If you have someone who is about to get behind the wheel in an impaired state, take the keys from them and help them find another way home.

The loss of life and the harm caused by accidents because someone behind the wheel has had too much to drink or is under the influence of another substance are preventable. Do your part to make sure everyone is around to enjoy the holidays.