Holidays mean getting together with family and friends to celebrate. These celebrations usually involve a lot of good food, as well as alcohol. So it’s important to remember to drink responsibly and designate a sober driver before you travel, because a tragic crash or impaired driving arrest would definitely put a damper on the holiday season.

The holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Years, is one of the most dangerous times of the year on the roadways due to an increase in impaired driving. Last December, more than 15,000 people died in the United States in alcohol-related crashes and 13,000 of those drivers had a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 or above. To discourage this behavior, Missouri state and local law enforcement officers will be out in full force this holiday season to crack down on drunk driving.

Law enforcement officers throughout the state are no stranger to the unhappiness that impaired driving can bring to the holiday season.

“The holidays mean hectic schedules and social gatherings that involve alcohol and winter weather- a deadly combination for motorists,” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain Tim Hull. “It is important to be extra cautious during the holidays. Even if you are being careful and make smart decisions, be aware that other motorists on the road may not.”

Captain Hull reminds everyone this holiday season, You Drink & Drive. You Lose.

Simple steps to avoiding a crash due to impaired driving:

• Designate a sober driver.
• If you are impaired, call a taxi or a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
• Take the keys and don’t let a friend or family member drive drunk.
• Always buckle up – it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.