The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, from shopping for the perfect gift and trimming the tree to attending countless gatherings with family and friends.  While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s important that people be responsible and remember that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and results in serious consequences.

Driving just doesn’t mix well with the consumption of alcohol and drugs! Saving lives on our roads is a top priority and we need everyone’s help to do it. That’s why the Motor Vehicle Administration is joining the National, State and local highway safety officials to remind everyone of some of the steps you can take to enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing your life and the life of others who may be on the road. Preventative measures for drinking and driving this holiday season include:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
• If you are impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• Use your community’s “SoberRide” and “Tipsy Taxi” programs (where available);
• Always wear your seat belt while in your car – it’s your best defense against an impaired driver;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement by calling #77 on your cellular phone;
• And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk, if you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.
   

Driving a vehicle while impaired is simply wrong and is not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. This holiday season don’t let your year end in an arrest – or even worse, death. Whether you’ve had way too many or one too many, its not worth the risk. Make smart decisions and plan ahead to ensure a safe ride home this holiday season.