The holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving. In December 2007, 992 people nationwide were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In Kansas, during the same time period, 45 fatalities occurred, 8 involving an impaired driver.

That’s why national, state and local highway safety officials are joining forces to remind everyone who will be celebrating during the holidays that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and to never forget to plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

The consumption of alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix. Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. Don’t ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired.

Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
• 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 Rides program;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.