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Planning a Safe Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Kicks Off Danger Season on the Highways

By , About.com Guide

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The Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the most dangerous time of the year on U.S. Highways and Thanksgiving weekend is the most dangerous of all.

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 2007, 1,293 people were killed in drunk driving crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Even more concerning, according to a recent report issued by MADD, there are more than 2 million drivers with three or more DUI convictions driving on our nation’s highways, including more than 400,000 with five or more drunk driving convictions.

But the good news is the new .08 DUI laws seem to reversing the trend again. 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.
Source: Mothers Against Drunk Driving

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