As holiday travel increases and celebrations fill the calendar, federal leaders and national safety advocates are renewing urgent calls to keep impaired drivers off America’s roads. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month–an annual observance now in its 39th consecutive year–and last week the White House issued a presidential message underscoring the growing need for vigilance.
The message, released by the Office of the First Lady, pledges strengthened federal efforts to combat drunk and drugged driving, which claims the life of one American every 42 minutes. The administration emphasized that despite advances in vehicle safety, traffic fatalities remain alarmingly high nationwide, with impaired driving continuing to be one of the leading causes of preventable deaths.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD), the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to ending impaired driving, is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the country throughout December. Together, they aim to increase awareness, promote safe transportation choices, and support high-visibility enforcement campaigns.
The month carries a tragic history: during December 2018 alone, 839 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, making up 29 percent of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve proved especially deadly, with 108 lives lost in impaired driving crashes over just two days–nearly half of all vehicle fatalities for that period. Christmas Day saw an additional 35 lives claimed.
“These numbers are shocking and staggering,” said MADD National President Helen Witty, whose 16-year-old daughter Helen Marie was killed by a driver impaired by alcohol and marijuana. “The pain caused by one person’s choice to drive impaired is often permanent. Yet every drunk driving death and injury is preventable.”
Witty emphasized that impaired-driving crashes traditionally rise throughout December as more Americans travel and attend gatherings where alcohol is served. MADD is urging everyone to plan ahead before drinking: designate a sober driver, use a taxi or rideshare, or take public transportation.
“There is no excuse for driving under the influence of any mind-altering substance, including alcohol,” Witty said. “It could save your life–or the life of someone you know.”
Every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan has formally designated December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. President Donald Trump continued the tradition this year, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making America’s roadways safer.
MADD is also encouraging motorists to participate in its annual Tie One On for Safety® campaign–its longest-running public awareness initiative–by displaying the organization’s signature red ribbon or magnetic decal on their vehicles. The campaign, launched in 1986, symbolizes a personal commitment to sober driving.
“Whether you’re traveling to holiday festivities or hosting a party, always remember your designated driver,” Witty said. “Everyone can help keep our holiday season joyous by planning ahead. Include festive non-alcoholic options for designated drivers celebrating with you.”
More information about the Tie One On for Safety® campaign, along with details on obtaining a red ribbon, is available at madd.org/toofs.
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® has helped save more than 390,000 lives and reduce drunk driving deaths by over 50 percent. The organization supports nearly one million victims of drunk and drugged driving each year at no cost, while advocating for stronger laws, advanced vehicle technology, and the widespread use of ignition interlocks for offenders.