By presidential proclamation, every December is designated National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.
It is the most popular month for serving alcohol at parties, family gatherings, and social events. That makes December the most dangerous time of the year for alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities.
Think about this: An alcohol-related motor vehicle crash kills someone every 39 minutes in the U.S. and nonfatal crashes injure someone every two minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's the annual average, but reporting shows that December is more dangerous than other months.
Most people enjoy holiday drinks, but driving home after a party can be a disaster. You can have your fun and stay safe if you arrange a designated driver — someone who will not be drinking and can safely drive you home after the party.
Your responsibility, however, does not end there. When you see an intoxicated person who doesn't have a designated driver, arrange a ride or drive him home yourself. Friends don't let friends drive drunk.
Decide whether you will be driven home by a designated driver or whether you end up riding to the county jail in a squad car.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.