December brings parties, year-end stress, and a sharp rise in impaired driving. It’s also National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, which makes this a good time for drivers to focus on safer choices during the holidays and throughout the year.
What the Numbers Show
Impaired driving remains a serious threat on U.S. roads. In 2023, alcohol-impaired crashes killed 12,429 people nationwide, though this number dropped about 7.6% from the year before, the toll is still devastating.
December continues to be one of the most dangerous months of the year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that from 2019 through 2023, 4,931 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes during December. Holiday travel adds more risk. In recent years, impaired driving accounted for about 38% of Christmas traffic deaths and 37% of New Year’s traffic deaths.
Nighttime hours are especially dangerous. According to NHTSA, in December 2023, 30% of drivers involved in fatal crashes between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. were drunk. Between midnight and 2:59 a.m., that share rose to 47%.
Why Impaired Driving Spikes in December
Several factors push impaired driving higher during December:
- More celebrations: Holiday parties, social gatherings, and family events often involve alcohol.
- Travel and fatigue: Long drives and late nights increase crash risk even before alcohol enters the picture.
- The “I feel fine” mindset: Many people believe they’re “OK to drive” after drinking less than the legal limit, even though driving ability starts to decline before a 0.08 BAC (blood alcohol concentration).
- Social pressure: Some people are encouraged to drink more at events or feel obligated to attend multiple gatherings in one night.
Impairment Isn’t Only About Alcohol
Impairment doesn’t begin and end with alcohol. Drugs such as opioids, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter medicines can make you drowsy, blur your vision, and slow your judgment and motor skills. Fatigue and stress do the same, and the result is no different behind the wheel.
Any of these factors makes driving unsafe. Treat them the same way you would alcohol and avoid driving if you are not fully alert.
Set Yourself Up for a Safe Night Out
The safest time to decide how to get home is before the festivities begin. Here are steps anyone can take:
- Arrange a ride in advance. Use a designated driver, rideshare, taxi, or public transit.
- Check how your medications affect driving. Some combinations intensify impairment.
- Know your limits. If you start feeling tired or overwhelmed, choose a safe way home.
- Speak up. If someone you care about is about to drive impaired, offer another option or help them arrange a ride.
Preventing impaired driving takes everyday awareness and responsibility. When more people choose safe transportation, fewer families face loss, and more celebrations end with loved ones arriving home without harm.
Staying safe on the road is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself and others this holiday season.