As we come closer towards the end of the semester and the holiday season, everyone will be making plans to spend time with friends, visiting family, holiday shopping, attending parties, etc. With all these get togethers and shindigs going on, this means a whole lot more drivers (many who have been drinking) on the roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “In just the few days surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Eve, an average of 304 people die in drunk-driving crashes.” It also states “there are more motor vehicle deaths during these times and the proportion of drivers and motorcycle riders who are legally drunk, exceeds the annual average.”
Here are some tips that will help you with your end of year festivities:
- If you’re planning on drinking, make sure you drink responsibly!
- Be sure everyone in the group understands what being and having DUDE
- Person assigned to be a DUDE means no alcohol or drugs. Nope. None. ZIP!
- Having a DUDE, means you can party without having to worry about finding a safe ride home.
- Make sure you treat the DUDE right, by buying their food and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Learn more about being a DUDE here: Be The DUDE
- No designated driver? Don’t sweat it, you can find an alternative ride home, such as a taxi, bus or train.
- Some public transportation might run differently during the holidays or weekend. Plan ahead and check the schedule before the party starts.
- Make sure it’s within walking distance to your final destination. Don’t get behind the wheel, even if you’re only going a few blocks.
- Get a Designated Driver here: Designate me a driver!
- In case of an emergency or you’re stuck in a situation with no transportation, have a backup plan. Plan ahead of time to have someone (a responsible family member or friend) to reach out to if you’re stuck in a pickle.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/numbers/Safety_In_Numbers_Drive_Sober_811871.pdf