A lot of our recent posts have been about alcohol consumption and the holidays, and for good reason. According to the United States Department of Transportation, from 2001 to 2005, an average of 45 people died each day during the holiday season.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that drinking and driving spike during the holiday season, with alcohol being blamed for about 52 percent of fatal collisions on Christmas and 57 percent on New Year’s. The average yearly rate is 41 percent. In addition, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 25,000 people will be injured as well.
What should you do?
First, always have a designated driver. Second, if you see friends drinking, don’t let them drive! Yes, they might be mad at you, but it’s better to have them mad then to not have them at all. This is also true if you have been drinking. Call a cab or a friend. In fact, we heard on the radio today that a Utah law firm will reimburse you up to $35 if you call a cab, instead of driving drunk. We think it’s a small price to pay.
Third, avoid driving in the early morning or late evening during the holidays. Yes, this one’s a stretch, but that’s when fatalities are typically the highest. Finally, if you do see someone driving erratically, report them to the police immediately.
We hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday season, and we wish all of you a happy New Year. Please drink responsibly, and we’ll see you next year!