Plan a sober ride to avoid drunk driving

Safety officials are warning drivers about the dangers of impaired driving ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
During the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday period, 174 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes.
Authorities emphasize that even one alcoholic drink can be enough to impair a person’s driving ability.

As families across the nation gear up for Thanksgiving, safety officials are urging drivers to plan ahead and avoid the deadly consequences of impaired driving.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Louisiana’s Destination Zero Deaths emphasize that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and planning a sober ride is crucial for a safe holiday, according to DZD.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol is never an option,” Ron Czajkowski, safety coordinator for DZD Acadiana, said. “Even one drink can be enough to impair a person’s judgment and driving ability. Having a plan in place for safe transportation before having the first drink is the responsible way to avoid the dangers of impaired driving this Thanksgiving.”

Czajkowski said drivers can keep themselves, their passengers and other families safe on the road by recognizing that buzzed driving is drunk driving and by making plans to drive sober or get a safe, sober ride home.

According to NHTSA, 174 people died in drunk-driving crashes during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday (6 p.m. Wednesday – 5:59 a.m. Monday), in which one or more drivers had a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. Drivers aged 21-34 (37%) had the highest rate of involvement in fatal drunk-driving crashes that year. From 2019-2023, drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving claimed 868 lives, representing more than one-third (35%) of all traffic fatalities during the holiday period.

Officials stress that drivers should plan ahead if they intend to drink. Impairment clouds judgment, making it crucial to secure a designated sober driver or arrange for a taxi or rideshare before drinking begins.

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely, DZD said. Friends also play a key role in preventing drunk driving: take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. Anyone spotting a drunk driver should call 911 or contact local law enforcement immediately.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving. Additional questions can be directed to Ron Czajkowski at [email protected] or (337) 806-9367, or Ashley Moran at [email protected] or (337) 806-9364.

By planning sober rides in advance, drivers can ensure everyone reaches the Thanksgiving table safely — and that’s something to be truly thankful for this holiday season.

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