According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 10,500 people died in alcohol-impaired driving accidents last year.
The holiday season has a higher incidence of fatalities, due to the fact that many people drive drunk after a party. Whether you are at a Christmas party, New Year's Eve bash or a bar with friends, the NHTSA is reminding everyone that the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and designate a sober before you head out for your festivities.
To minimize the chance of your designated driver becoming inebriated him or herself, prepare a few non-alcoholic drinks beforehand. This Facebook page has a list of 50 non-alcoholic drink mixes.
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Contact Designated Dawgs for a safe ride home if you are buzzed by calling (706) 369-6601. This service is free to UGA students. Visit their website for more information.
Find out what's happening in Athenswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Here are 7 ways to stay safe this holiday, couresty of the NHTSA:
- Use one of our fun, holiday-themed posters on your blog or Facebook page
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
- Use your community’s sober ride program
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement
- Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know people who are about to drive or ride with someone who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Don't end your year with a DUI - or worse. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.
