Drive Sober: NHTSA's timely reminder | PEMCO

As the holiday season—with all of its festivities and social gatherings—draws near, it's essential to remind ourselves of the importance of sober driving. From Dec. 11, 2024, to Jan. 2, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching its annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative. This high-visibility enforcement program is designed to highlight the dangers of drunk driving and encourage everyone to make responsible choices.  
 
We’re big fans of the NHTSA’s message and want to remind the PEMCO community and beyond about the importance of planning ahead, knowing your limits, and speaking up. It’s never okay to drive under the influence. 

The numbers are staggering 

These statistics are a sobering reminder of why no one should get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol: 

• In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired crashes. 

• Young drivers aged 21-34 had the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes, accounting for 25% of them in December 2022. 

• Nighttime driving is particularly dangerous. 31% of drivers involved in fatal crashes between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. were drunk. 

• Almost half (45%) of drivers involved in fatal crashes between midnight and 2:59 a.m. were drunk. 

Understanding the costs 

Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatalities on our roads. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely. With increased law enforcement on the roads during this campaign, it's crucial to remember that drunk driving is not only illegal, but deadly.  

 The consequences of impaired driving extend beyond legal penalties. They can have a lasting impact on your life and the lives of others. 

Driving under the influence is expensive. The average DUI can cost up to $10,000, including attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, and higher insurance rates. Beyond the financial burden, impaired-driving crashes result in a staggering $57 billion in economic costs annually.  

If caught, you could face jail time, lose your driver's license, and potentially your vehicle. This could lead to lost wages and even job loss, making it clear that the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits. 

Law enforcement will be out in full force during the Driver Sober initiative, with zero tolerance for impaired driving.  

The goal is clear: preventing drunk driving saves lives. 

Plan ahead (and other prevention tips) 

One of the most effective ways to avoid the dangers of drunk driving is to plan ahead. Here are some other prevention tips to help make sure you and your loved ones can prevent an incident before it happens (and keep each other safe!). 

• Always drive 100% sober. Even one drink can be too many. 

• Designate a sober driver. Before you have even one drink, decide who will be responsible for getting everyone home safely. 

• Utilize rideshare options. If a sober driver isn't available, call a taxi or use a rideshare service. 

• Be a responsible designated driver. If it's your turn, take it seriously and avoid alcohol entirely. 

• Report drunk drivers. If you see someone driving erratically, contact local law enforcement. 

• Help friends make safe choices. If you know someone is about to drive drunk, take their keys and find them a safe way home. 

You can make a difference 

We encourage you to participate in NHTSA’s initiative by not only making responsible choices yourself, but by spreading the word. Driving sober is a huge and impactful step toward preventing a major incident (or even a tragedy) that could change your life and the lives of others. 
 
Driving sober is a powerful way to contribute to a safer holiday season for everyone. Remember, even one drink can impair your ability to drive. Plan ahead and help others do the same. 

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s ensure this holiday season is remembered for the joy it brings, not the tragedies that could’ve been prevented. 

For more information on impaired driving, visit the NHTSA's website at www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.