December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to raise awareness about National Impaired Driving Prevention Month this December. With so many festive gatherings on the horizon, ensuring that everyone celebrates responsibly and avoids the dangers of impaired driving is crucial. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of making safe choices to keep our roads safe during the holidays.
This holiday season, prioritize safety and responsibility:
- Plan for a Safe Ride: Designate a driver before heading to a party or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to ensure you get home safely. Protect yourself and others—never drive under the influence.
- Watch Your Drink: When celebrating with unfamiliar faces, always keep an eye on your drink. If you need to step away, leave it with a trusted friend or take it with you.
- Serve Food with Alcohol: If you’re hosting, provide plenty of food to slow alcohol absorption and reduce its effects.
- Follow the Law: In South Carolina, it’s illegal to share or purchase alcohol for anyone under 21. Make sure to follow the law and keep others safe.
- Avoid Mixing Alcohol with Medications: Alcohol can interfere with prescription medications, causing harmful side effects. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to stay safe while celebrating.
- Drink Responsibly: Limit alcohol to one drink per hour, allowing your liver time to process it. Binge drinking can be dangerous, so set a limit and stick to it.
- Provide Alcohol-Free Options: Offer non-alcoholic drinks and plenty of water for guests who don’t drink or prefer alternatives, ensuring everyone feels included and comfortable.
Celebrate responsibly and stay safe!
If you’re celebrating in South Carolina, take advantage of these resources to prevent impaired driving:
- Sober or Slammer!: This statewide holiday DUI enforcement campaign features increased patrols, checkpoints, and public awareness efforts. Watch for free or discounted ride services to ensure a safe ride home.
- SC Highway Patrol: Report suspected impaired drivers by dialing “*HP” (star 47) on your phone.
- South Carolina ADSAP: The Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program provides treatment resources for those struggling with substance use, promoting safer roads and healthier choices.
For more information on impaired driving prevention and safety tips, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving, or check out the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s DUI prevention resources at https://scdps.sc.gov/scsoberorslammer.
