Safe Holiday Driving Month
Safe Holiday Driving Month Encourages Sober Driving and MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Personalized Cause® remind everyone to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year safely by planning for a non-drinking designated driver. Wear a red awareness ribbon pin, fabric ribbon, or red wristband to raise awareness about drinking and driving. This includes the effects of driving under the influence and the importance of a non-drinking driver.
Every choice matters. One poor decision can change lives forever. Stay responsible. Speak up if someone tries to drive after drinking. Offer to call a ride or be the sober driver. Together, we can prevent tragedy and keep our roads safe.
Safely Celebrate the New Year
Making the choice to never drive impaired is more important than ever. According to preliminary NHTSA data, drunk driving deaths rose by 9% in 2020. In 2021, traffic deaths continued to rise—fueled by impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear seatbelts.
We believe in celebrating the New Year, but we want everyone to get home safely. Choose a non-drinking driver before the party starts. Or better yet, be that driver. Plan ahead, and stick to the plan.
Statistics About Drinking and Driving
According to NHTSA, 837 people died in drunk driving crashes in December 2019 alone. During the 2019 Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods, 210 lives were lost due to impaired drivers. That was more than any other holiday that year.
Each year, drunk driving kills over 10,000 people and injures more than 300,000. These numbers are not just statistics—they’re families, friends, and futures lost. Always choose a sober driver. Or stay home. Don’t drive, and don’t ride with someone who has been drinking.
Eliminate Drunk and Drugged Driving – A MADD Objective
MADD is committed to ending drunk and drugged driving. In partnership with Anheuser-Busch and Uber, MADD launched a first-of-its-kind coalition to push this message nationwide: “If You Drink, Don’t Drive. Decide to Ride.”
The campaign reached millions—on TV, during NFL games, in stadiums, and wherever Anheuser-Busch products are sold. It urged people to plan ahead. And if they didn’t, it reminded them they could still make the right choice. Call a sober friend, use a rideshare, or take public transit.
Drunk Driving Prevention Technology Is Coming
In November 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including a life-saving provision: drunk driving prevention technology will become standard in all new vehicles.
This law was championed by MADD and introduced by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell in memory of the Abbas family—five loved ones killed by a wrong-way drunk driver. The law directs NHTSA to establish technology standards within the next two to three years. New cars will have to include impaired driving prevention systems within six years.
This change has wide support—from auto insurers, safety advocates, and even alcohol industry leaders. Technology will soon help stop drunk driving before it starts.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
MADD was founded in 1980 by a mother who lost her daughter to a drunk driver. Since then, MADD has become the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to ending drunk and drugged driving, supporting victims, and preventing underage drinking.
MADD’s work has helped save over 400,000 lives and cut drunk driving deaths by more than 50%. Its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® promotes high-visibility law enforcement, ignition interlocks for all offenders, and advanced in-car technology.
MADD offers free support services for victims and survivors. Local advocates and its 24-Hour Victim Help Line are always available. Call 1-877-MADD-HELP or visit www.madd.org.
Raise Awareness for MADD With Red Ribbons
This holiday season, wear a red awareness ribbon, fabric pin, or red wristband. These symbols show your support for MADD’s mission and remind others to never drive impaired. Red stands for action, responsibility, and remembrance.
Every ribbon worn, every sober choice made, and every ride planned can save lives. Together, we can make this New Year safer for everyone.
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