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Published on December 24, 2024
Sacramento Police Stress Road Safety Amid Rise in Drunk-Driving Deaths During December HolidaysSource: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The Sacramento Police Department is reminding motorists that holiday cheer should never come with compromised safety, particularly on the roads. Emphasizing the rise of drunk-driving fatalities during the month of December, the department shared a statistic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicating that drunk-driving deaths for that period have hit a 15-year high. In a recent social media post, the NHTSA's seasonal campaigns "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "If You Feel Different, You Drive Different – Drive High Get a DUI" were highlighted, running from December 11 through January 1, with increased patrols to get impaired drivers off the streets.

Reflecting on the events of the past year, the impact of drunk driving is particularly notable during the holiday season, a time when families are expected to gather safely. According to NHTSA data, December 2022 saw 1,062 lives lost in drunk driving crashes. From 2018 to 2022, over 4,750 deaths occurred in alcohol-related crashes during December. While drunk driving continues to pose a significant threat to public safety, drug-impaired driving has also been increasingly recognized as a serious issue, with similarly severe consequences.

Another facet of the impaired driving issue comes from a study by NHTSA conducted from 2019 to 2021, which found approximately 25% of drivers in trauma centers had active THC in their systems; active THC is a key intoxicating compound found in marijuana. The illegality of drug-impaired driving stands unanimous across all 50 states, yet incidents continue to occur with disconcerting frequency, raising concerns about education and awareness surrounding these dangerous practices.

In an effort to reduce preventable tragedies, the Sacramento Police Department provided tips to help ensure safe travel during the holidays. They highlighted that impairment can affect driving ability, stressing that the consequences of impaired driving can be severe, potentially resulting in loss of life. The department recommends designating sober drivers, using rideshare services or public transportation, and encouraging hosts to assist guests in making safe travel choices. These, along with other driving safety tips, can be found on the NHTSA website for those seeking more information.