The holidays are a special time to spend with friends and family. In Central Florida, we may not have to worry about snow on our roads, but we all must do our part to drive safely during the holiday season. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reminds us to always be responsible when it comes to consuming alcohol. FDOT partners with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to ensure that everyone stays safe on Florida’s roadways. FDOT wishes everyone a happy holiday season but drinking and driving simply do not mix.

FHP is stepping up enforcement efforts in November and December to ensure everyone arrives alive. Lt. Tara Crescenzi said that FHP will have increased driving under the influence (DUI) traffic enforcement efforts during the holidays. “We want you to have a safe holiday season, but the bottom line is simple — drive sober or get pulled over. Ensure everyone can celebrate with their loved ones by making responsible choices on the road,” said Crescenzi.

According to 2023 data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37 people in the United States die each day in motor vehicle crashes involving a drunk driver. These sobering facts break out to one death every 39 minutes, totaling over 13,000 lives lost per year. Tragically, recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) state that 42% of drivers killed in alcohol-related crashes are between the ages of 16 and 24.

Alcohol is not the only cause of DUI traffic fatalities, as both legal and illegal drugs account for nearly 16% of motor vehicle crashes. There are many prescriptions drugs that can negatively impact your ability to drive. Check the medication labels on all your prescriptions prior to driving. Remember, having just one drink while on medication could be the equivalent of having several drinks.

FDOT asks you to think ahead and be proactive. At the beginning of your holiday activity, make sure you already have a plan in place. Have your friends and family help you be accountable to use a designated driver, use a rideshare or taxi, or even make plans to stay at your location. Not only are you placing your own and others’ lives in danger by driving under the influence, but getting a DUI traffic violation can personally cost you over $5,000 as you work through the legal system.

Buzzed driving is drunk driving, as there are five major signs of impairment:

• A slower reaction time.
• Decreased hand-eye coordination.
• Difficulty perceiving time and distance.
• Weakened concentration.
• Limited short-term memory functions.

During the holiday season, Florida’s highways can be some of the busiest in the country. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported more than 6,000 crashes during the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday weekend alone. Planning ahead, practicing defensive driving, and obeying traffic laws are ideal ways for you to arrive alive and make memories with your friends and family.

For more information, visit fdot.gov/agencyresources/impaireddriving-holidays.