How Bad is Drunk Driving During the Holiday Season?

Christmas should be about celebrating with the people we are grateful for in our lives. Yet year after year, a sad outcome remains the same. Drunk driving incidents happen more often during the holiday, and as a result, there are more fatalities. Even at a time when a safe ride has never been easier to obtain, drunk driving incidents and fatalities are climbing.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), between the day before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, over 1,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes last year. That is sadly 60 more deaths compared to 2016’s statistics.

Luckily, states are enhancing their law enforcement with more DUI roadblocks and enacting legislation that supports safety technology, such as mandating Ignition Interlock requirements after a DUI arrest and/or conviction. Ignition Interlock Devices Separate Drinking From Driving® and saves lives. The best thing we can all do to prevent a tragedy from happening, however, is to make sure that there is a safety plan in place before the holiday festivities begin.

Stay Safe During the 2018 Holidays

If your plans involve alcohol, make sure to plan ahead of time for a safe ride home. Wherever you may be, there are alternative options of transportation if you’ve been drinking. You can get a ride from a bus, hail a taxi, or call for an Uber or Lyft ride through your smart phone.

As MADD says, don’t look for a reason to drive when there are so many reasons to ride. Smart Start wishes you a safe and happy holiday! If you need an Ignition Interlock, we’re here for you at (800) 831-3299 or you can fill out our online form.