The holidays are a time of merriment, but when people partake in the festivities, they still need to behave properly on the roads. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is using this time to remind drivers to stay safe during the holiday season and be sure to designate a driver. The organization is also recommending drivers take precautions during the weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, which are among the most dangerous times for drunken driving accidents.
"These numbers are very concerned to MADD because the number of people killed in drunk driving crashes over Thanksgiving is up, along with the percentage of highway deaths caused by drunk driving during the holiday period," said MADD president Jan Withers. "The solution is simple: plan ahead for a sober designated driver."
Other ways to stay safe during the season include getting a tune up where a professional can check over a vehicle's wipers and lights, so as not to have impaired visibility on the road. Stocking up on antifreeze and other fluids, as well as checking the conditions of a spare tire, are also helpful when dealing with potentially inclement weather in the holiday season.