As the holiday season approaches, it is a time for celebration, family, and gatherings, but also a time when impaired driving becomes especially dangerous. At the University Medical Center of El Paso, we prioritize trauma prevention and community safety. Observing National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month is an opportunity for our community to reflect on the dangers of impaired driving and commit to safer choices behind the wheel.
What is National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month?
National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month is observed each December in the United States. According to National Today, the observance dates back to the early 1980s, when citizen advocacy and growing public awareness over impaired-driving tragedies prompted formal campaigns to reduce drunk and drugged driving.
Through the years, the effort has gained support from national safety agencies and community partners, promoting sober and substance-free driving especially during the high-risk holiday season.
Why it Matters
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic deaths in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2023 alone, there were 12,429 deaths from alcohol-impaired driving crashes — a preventable tragedy.
During the holiday season, celebrations, increased travel, and social events often coincide with rises in impaired driving, making prevention efforts particularly urgent.
At UMC El Paso, we regularly treat victims of traffic collisions and know firsthand how a single impaired-driving decision can change lives forever. Every fatality or injury we see underscores the importance of this observance.
Ways to Promote Safety and Responsibility
Communities and individuals can take concrete steps to help reduce impaired-driving tragedies:
- Designate a sober driver: Before attending any gathering or celebration involving alcohol or potential drug use, choose someone to remain sober and responsible for driving.
- Use alternative transportation: Ride share, taxi, public transit, or staying overnight are safer options than driving under the influence.
- Talk with friends and family. Encourage peers to make safe choices, intervene if someone is impaired, and help plan for safe transportation.
- Plan parties responsibly. If hosting, offer non-alcoholic drinks, monitor consumption, and ensure guests have safe rides home.
At UMC El Paso, our mission goes beyond treating injuries, we are committed to preventing them. We encourage everyone in our community in El Paso to commit this December to sober and responsible driving.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call 1-800-473-8440 or 915-479-3484 today to schedule an appointment, or visit www.umcelpaso.org to learn more.
