Drunk driving a holiday fear

Deaths from drinking and driving spike around the holidays, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Alcohol is blamed for about 52 percent of fatal collisions on Christmas and 57 percent on New Years compared to a rate of 41 percent for the entire year.

MADD, a non-profit corporation established in 1980, is committed to helping victims of crimes committed by those under the influence of alcohol or drugs and increasing public awareness of problems associated with alcohol and illegal drugs.

In addition to the more than 1,200 alcohol-related deaths that will occur on the road this holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 25,000 people will be injured.

Even with a steady decline in fatalities, the number of drivers with DWI arrests is on the rise.

It is estimated as many as two million drunk drivers with three or more convictions and more than 400,000 with five or more convictions still drive.
MADD suggests:
• If you drink, don't drive.
• Don't let someone you know get behind the wheel if they've been drinking.
• Avoid driving during early and late evening hours on holidays.
• If you must drive, be cautious and watch for the erratic movements.
• Immediately report suspected drunk drivers .
Call 911 or *55 from a cell phone to make highway assistance calls.

SOURCE