Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, but it is also a time of year when our roads are flooded with impaired drivers.
Many holidays tend to be synonymous with drinking and, as a result, we see high numbers of alcohol-impaired driving deaths at these times. Thanksgiving weekend is no exception. This year, the National Safety Council estimates 421 people may be killed over the Thanksgiving holiday and historical data indicates more than one-third of these deaths will involve alcohol-impaired drivers; when we factor in drugs, that number climbs even higher.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Impaired driving crashes are more preventable than ever with new travel options like ride-sharing to help get us home safely. But to eliminate these deaths, we need to recognize the risks.
Dangerous holidays
For many of us, the holidays begin on the days and nights leading up to them, as we head back home and celebrate with family and friends. The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, for example, has become an enormously popular time for bars, known to some as Black Wednesday due to the high volume of alcohol consumption.
Unfortunately, this raises the potential for crashes, injuries and deaths. The addition of bad weather, fewer daylight hours and poor driving conditions make the busy holiday season even more dangerous. Thankfully, some simple planning can help you avoid the risks of impaired driving.
Tips for planning ahead
When you know you’ll spend the day celebrating, take a few moments to plan for how you will get home safely. If you are taking medications, remember that the warning on the label that says, “Do not operate heavy machinery” also means do not drive a car. Columbia University estimates that opioid-involved car crashes increased sevenfold over the past two decades. If you’re going out with friends and family, always designate a sober, alcohol and drug-free driver for the night.
If you are the designated driver, make sure every passenger is properly restrained and plan ahead for road conditions. You are three times more likely to be involved in a crash at night, and the presence of rain, sleet and snow can make these odds even worse.
You also need to pay special attention to the vehicles around you. Although we wish everyone would plan ahead, the numbers tell us that there will be impaired drivers on the road. If you are concerned about worsening conditions and the risks of other drivers, don’t be afraid to make it an early night and get your loved ones home safe.
Ride-sharing safety
If you plan to use ride-sharing services to get home this holiday season, remember a few simple tips to stay safe before and during your ride. Look through driver reviews and always ask for the driver’s name before getting in the vehicle, especially if there are lots of other people requesting rides near you. Make sure you use the correct address and wear your seat belt for the entire ride home.
Don’t be afraid to ask drivers to avoid handling their phones or taking calls during the ride, even if they are using hands-free devices. Ride-sharing can make it much easier to arrange travel for a night out, but it still needs to be safe.
The goal is getting home safe
Traffic deaths are always a tragedy, but they are particularly heartbreaking at a time when we gather to celebrate with family and friends. Combating the dangers of impaired driving isn’t difficult if we all own our part of it. Whether you are out celebrating with coworkers, friends or family, take responsibility for how you travel this holiday season and we can all get home safe. Visit stopeverydaykillers.org for more information.