In past years, there have been more alcohol-related traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend than any other weekend during the year in the United States, including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day combined. In the year 2001, Christmas day edged out Thanksgiving as the most deadly time of the year on the highways, but year after year, Thanksgiving ranks No. 1 in alcohol-related fatalities.
And the Holiday season, from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day is The Killing Season as far as drunk driver's are concerned, according to the latest statistics available. In 2004, between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, 1,316 (37.5 percent) of a total 3,511 traffic fatalities were alcohol-related.
During the entire year of 2005, 16,885 were killed in alcohol-related crashes - representing 39 percent of 43,443 traffic deaths. More than 500,000 Americans are injured annually in crashes involving alcohol, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
But the good news is the new .08 DUI laws seem to reversing the trend again in the states that have adopted the lower blood alcohol content levels. However, nationwide, after a decade of no increases in alcohol-related deaths in the U.S., we are once again beginning to see increases from year to year.
What Can You Do?
Here are some tips that can help you and your family enjoy a safer Holiday season:- Safe Party Guide
Your role as a responsible party host can prevent your friends and loved ones from becoming the next alcohol-related statistic.
Designate a Driver Program
If your celebrations include the drinking of alcoholic beverages, simply plan ahead and designate a driver.
Tie One On For Safety
The MADD ribbon serves as a symbol of the motorist's pledge to drive safe and sober during the holiday season. It also reminds other motorists to do the same.
Non-Alcoholic Party Drink Recipes
Here are some ideas for fun party drinks that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
