It’s that time of the year again for making merry and celebrating the holidays. We all have a lot to be excited about and thankful for, even in the wake of this pandemic. Whether you’re honoring Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or toasting in the New Year, it’s important to celebrate responsibly.

We at LifeSafer would like to remind everyone to please drive safely this holiday season. Accidents skyrocket in December, and fatalities alone average around 300 per year.

So many holidays packed into December makes it one of the highest months for alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities. These types of accidents and deaths are 100% preventable.

We know that even with COVID-19, there may be smaller gatherings on the calendar over the next few weeks, which increases the risk of impaired driving. Make smart choices and plan ahead so you and your loved ones stay safe.

Plan Ahead During the Holiday Season

Assign for a designated driver or use schedule rideshare if you are going out.
If you decide to drink, limit how much.
Measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) by using a breathalyzer before getting behind the wheel. If you don’t already have an ignition interlock device, there are many portable options for monitoring your blood alcohol levels.
Avoid staying out late. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 31% of fatal drunk-driving accidents occur on the weekend between 12 am-3 am. This year, both Christmas and the New Year will be on a Friday.
If you’re hosting a socially distant gathering, check-in with guests to make sure they have a safe way to get home or offer a warm place for them to stay.

This simple step of planning ahead could save your life and the lives of others on the road. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. Be responsible for yourself, but also keep an eye on others to make sure they get home safely.

Every year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) partners with law enforcement in your hometown to build awareness and spread the messages: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. These campaigns run from December 11th through January 1st with the goal of educating as many people as possible about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. Law enforcement will be doing their best to get impaired drivers off the road in order to keep us all safe. Visit their website for more information in your area.

this is a photo of a snow globe saying "please don't drink and drive this holiday season"

Need an ignition interlock?

If you or someone you know is charged with an alcohol-related driving offense this holiday season, LifeSafer is here to help you get your life back on track. Most states will allow an ignition interlock device (also known as a car breathalyzer) to be installed in your vehicle.

How do they work?

The ignition interlock device (IID) in your car will be set up to prohibit driving if it reads alcohol on your breath. Most are set up to prevent the engine from starting up if levels are anywhere above a .02 BAC, however, the level is specific to your state’s requirements. Along with this, many will prompt you to retest later as you are driving to ensure drivers do not start to drink after their vehicle has started.

An IID allows you to keep driving legally, while increasing public safety. They keep drunk drivers off the roads, and they help to reduce repeat offenses. Fatalities due to alcohol-related driving incidents have been significantly reduced by the use of car breathalyzer.

Plan Ahead During the Holiday Season

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