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Each December, the holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and gatherings with family and friends. However, it is also a time to pause and reflect on the importance of responsibility, particularly when it comes to driving. December marks National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a vital campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
History
Since 1981, officials across the United States have dedicated December to raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Designated as National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month—now also known as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month—this initiative has played a pivotal role in promoting safe and sober driving. The movement’s origins can be traced back to the determination of one woman and her resolve to bring change.
On May 3, 1980, 13-year-old Cari Lightner was tragically killed by a drunk driver, Clarence Busch, in a devastating accident. Subsequent investigations revealed that Busch was a repeat offender, with a hit-and-run drunk driving violation less than a week before the incident involving Cari. At the time, driving while intoxicated was often treated as a minor misdemeanor, rarely resulting in significant legal consequences.
This alarming reality spurred Cari’s mother, Candy Lightner, to take action. Determined to prevent similar tragedies, Candy founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a non-profit organization that quickly gained national attention. MADD became instrumental in pushing for stricter definitions of impaired driving and advocating for laws that introduced harsher penalties, including jail time and license suspensions.
Candy Lightner’s efforts extended to the federal level, where she successfully lobbied for significant legislative reforms. Her work contributed to President Ronald Reagan’s decision to establish the national minimum legal drinking age at 21. Lightner was also appointed to a presidential commission focused on combating impaired driving.
Today, Candy Lightner continues her advocacy as president of We Save Lives, an organization dedicated to preventing drunk, drugged, and distracted driving. Reflecting on her mission, she has stated, “I am not against drinking. I am for responsible drinking. We don’t let people walk around with a loaded gun in our neighborhood. But we let them drive when they drink.”
Her relentless efforts have not only transformed impaired driving laws but also sparked a cultural shift toward accountability and responsibility on the road. The legacy of her work endures as a cornerstone of public safety initiatives.
How To Celebrate
1. Organize Community Events
- Host workshops or seminars highlighting the dangers of impaired driving.
- Partner with local law enforcement for DUI checkpoints or safety demonstrations.
2. Spread Awareness Online
- Share facts and prevention tips on social media using hashtags like #DrunkDrivingAwareness and #DriveSoberDecember.
- Create blog posts or videos emphasizing the importance of sober driving.
3. Encourage Responsible Celebrations
- Promote alternatives like hiring sober drivers or offering alcohol-free beverages at events.
- Encourage party hosts to collect car keys or provide safe transport options.
4. Support Advocacy Groups
- Donate to organizations like MADD or Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
- Volunteer for campaigns focused on reducing impaired driving.
Amazing Facts
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High Mortality Rate
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 11,654 lives were lost in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2020, accounting for nearly 30% of all traffic-related fatalities in the U.S.
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Holiday Season Risks
- December sees a significant increase in impaired driving incidents due to holiday celebrations. The NHTSA reports that during the Christmas and New Year’s period, impaired driving-related crashes spike by as much as 25%.
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Drug-Impaired Driving on the Rise
- Driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, opioids, and prescription medications, has become a growing concern. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) notes that drugs were detected in nearly 43% of fatally injured drivers in recent years.
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Repeat Offenders Pose Major Risks
- A large percentage of drunk driving accidents involve repeat offenders. Studies show that individuals arrested for DUI have driven impaired an estimated 80 times before their first arrest.
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Economic Cost
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that impaired driving costs the U.S. economy over $44 billion annually in medical expenses, legal fees, and lost productivity.
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Teen Drivers at Higher Risk
- Teenage drivers are particularly vulnerable to the risks of impaired driving. Car crashes remain the leading cause of death among teens, and about one in five teen drivers involved in fatal accidents in 2020 had been drinking.
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Effective Prevention Measures
- DUI checkpoints, public awareness campaigns, and ignition interlock devices have proven effective in reducing drunk driving incidents. States that enforce mandatory ignition interlock laws have seen a significant decrease in alcohol-related traffic deaths.
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MADD’s Impact
- Since its founding in 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has helped save over 380,000 lives and has reduced alcohol-related traffic deaths by 50%.
Why We Love
Driving under the influence has severe consequences, including accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Here’s why this month is critical:
- Raising Awareness:
Public education helps people understand the risks of impaired driving, not just for drivers but for passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. - Reducing Fatalities:
According to the NHTSA, impaired driving accounts for nearly 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S. each year. - Encouraging Accountability:
This month promotes responsible behavior, including using designated drivers, rideshare services, or public transport when under the influence. - Supporting Affected Families:
Campaigns during December offer resources and platforms for families impacted by impaired driving to share their stories and advocate for change.
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