National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month is celebrated on December 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you ought to know about National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.

📅 What day is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month 2024?

In 2024, National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month is on Friday, December 1st. It is the 1st Friday in December; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the fun details and facts about December 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

During the festive month of December, when we gather with loved ones to celebrate and enjoy ourselves, it’s important to also remember our responsibilities. December is recognized as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, and due to the higher rate of accidents during the Christmas season, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of being sober while driving. According to the National Safety Council, over 40,000 people lost their lives in alcohol-related car accidents last year. Therefore, let’s exercise caution and responsibility during this holiday season.

📜 National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month History

In 1980, there was a tragic accident caused by drunk driving, resulting in the death of Cari Lightner, a thirteen-year-old girl. The driver, Clarence Busch, had a history of drunk driving offenses and had even been fined for a hit-and-run incident just days before the accident with Cari. However, at that time, drunk driving was not taken very seriously as a crime, so it was unlikely that Busch would face jail time.

Cari’s mother, Candy Lightner, was deeply affected by this injustice and decided to take action. She founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a non-profit organization, with the aim of raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and advocating for stricter laws and punishments. Candy’s movement quickly gained momentum across the country, leading to the passage of laws that defined drunk driving more strictly and imposed tougher penalties, including jail sentences and license suspensions. Candy’s efforts even caught the attention of President Reagan, who appointed her to a commission dedicated to addressing the issue.

Today, Candy Lightner continues her activism as the president of We Save Lives, an organization that promotes laws against drunk, drugged, and distracted driving. She emphasizes that she is not against drinking altogether, but rather advocates for responsible drinking. She compares the situation to not allowing people to carry loaded guns in the community, but still allowing them to drive after consuming alcohol.

✅ National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month Facts

🔖 South Africa has the highest rate
Around 60% of deaths on South African roads are caused by drunk driving.

🔖 The first ever arrest was in 1897
George Smith was the first person to be found guilty of driving under the influence after he crashed his taxi into a building.

🔖 27 people daily
The statistic represents the total count of people who lost their lives due to drunk driving incidents in the United States.

👍 Why Is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month Important

With all of the drinking that occurs throughout the Christmas season, it’s easy to understand why so many people die on the roadways. Consider the following horrible statistic: An alcohol-impaired motorist kills about 45 people per day, and the figure rises near the end of the year. Furthermore, there was a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher in 68 percent of road deaths involving a drunk driver, with the legal limit being 0.8.

The goal statement of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has been amended to include drug-impaired driving. The combination of alcohol and painkillers may cause drowsiness in a driver, which can have catastrophic implications on the road. In 2017, Columbia University researchers observed a seven-fold increase (since 1995) in the number of drivers murdered while driving under the influence of prescription medicines.

This is especially true on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, when holiday festivities are in full gear and the bars are crowded. As a result, the danger of death exists in both directions. It is more probable that an alcoholic driver will kill themselves, their passengers, or a pedestrian than that a drunken pedestrian will wander into the path of an innocent motorist.

🙂 How To Observe National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

⚡ Be a Designated Driver
You can leave a great impression by being the dependable friend who offers to drive others home. It’s a small sacrifice for a night that won’t negatively affect your own enjoyment, so step up and be there for your friends by offering a helping hand!

⚡ Do a sober period
In December, consider challenging yourself to refrain from alcohol for a specific period, such as one or two weeks, or any duration of your choice. By abstaining from drinking for a while, you can potentially experience various advantages, such as saving money, shedding pounds, and much more.

⚡ Take a cab or use a ride-sharing app after a party or visiting a bar
While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy yourself and have a good time, it’s important to be responsible. If you’ve consumed an excessive amount of alcohol, it’s crucial to ensure your safe return home. You can either call a taxi or even better, use a ride-sharing app and let the professionals handle the driving. By doing so, you’ll be able to attend future events without any complications.

📅 When is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month?

View all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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