This Thanksgiving holiday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office to make sure you make it to the Thanksgiving table. With the holiday kicking off a very merry time of year, it is essential to take some time to remember buzzed driving is drunk driving. If your plans to celebrate include alcohol, plan for a sober driver.
Each year, drunk-driving-related crashes spike during the Thanksgiving holiday season. According to NHTSA, 185 people were killed during the 2020 Thanksgiving period (6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 25 through 5:59 a.m., Monday, Nov. 30). Males were more likely than females to be killed in an alcohol-impaired crash.
Thanksgiving brings together friends and family. Unfortunately, drunk driving is a real threat to our community that increases during the holidays. Drunk driving has deadly consequences.
According to NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver; one person was killed every 45 minutes. This is why the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death.
As you head out to festivities during this holiday season, remember that there are alternatives to driving under the influence. Plan for a sober designated driver or utilize taxis and ride-share programs to assure that everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
