Drive Safe and Sober this Holiday Season!

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

NEW CITY, NY, - This joyous month of the year, when we get together with friends and family to celebrate the holidays, is also, unfortunately, a deadly month due to impaired driving. Being impaired by any substance, including alcohol, some over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and illegal drugs can affect your driving ability. Stay safe and save lives by following these safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• It is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If someone you know has been drinking or using drugs, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Call 911 if you see a dangerous driver. Your actions could help save someone’s life.
• Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

During the holiday season, the STOP-DWI “High Visibility Engagement Campaign” is in full force from December 13, 2023, until January 1, 2024. Law enforcement agencies from across Rockland County, along with the New York State Police, will be on patrol enforcing DWI-related offenses. Impaired driving is completely preventable. You can help make a difference by having a sober plan! Download the STOP-DWI “Have A Plan” mobile app to find a safe ride home at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.

“December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, which reminds everyone to drive safely this holiday season and understand how drunk and drugged driving plagues our nation’s roads.  The good news is that prevention works! Discuss the dangers of impaired driving with your loved ones and take steps to stay safe this holiday season,” said Dr. Albert Del Principio, Ed.D. Rockland County STOP-DWI & Traffic Safety Coordinator.

In 2022, in Rockland County, there were 2,725 people killed or injured in crashes of which 111 were due to impaired driving. Around one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations, BACs, of .08 or higher). There are penalties in New York State for driving under the influence for varying amounts of BACs and drug-related violations.  

For more information, visit the NHTSA website and the NHTSA Campaign: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

For more information about Safe Streets in Rockland County, visit https://rocklandsafestreets.org/. For more information about traffic safety in New York State, visit the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

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