Celebrate Sensibly This Holiday Season
Did you know that the period between now and New Year's is one of the most deadly and dangerous seasons due to alcohol-related car crashes?
Driving impaired creates serious consequences, with violators often facing jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, and many unanticipated expenses such as legal fees, fines and court costs, car repairs, and more. There is also the added embarrassment and humiliation after informing family, friends, and employers, and the potentially tragic human cost of alcohol-related collisions.
So choose to spend your holiday season wisely. Follow these few simple precautions to make sure your holiday season is a safe one:
- Plan ahead and always choose a designated driver before the party or celebration begins.
- If you've been drinking, don't even think about getting behind the wheel of your vehicle - call a taxi, use mass transit, or get a sober friend or family member to come and get you.
- If someone has been drinking and is supposed to drive later, take the keys and never let that person leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
- If you are hosting a party, remind your guests to plan ahead and choose a designated driver. Also, always offer alcohol-free beverages during the event, and make sure everyone leaves with a sober driver. Prepare for an overnight guest in the event alternate transportation isn't available for an intoxicated visitor.
- Never knowingly purchase alcohol for, or serve alcohol to, minors (people under 21 years of age). It is against the law and you could be held legally responsible for doing so. (Read a summary of laws relating to DUI and underage drinking.)
So this holiday season, help make your community safe and drive responsibly. Use some of the resource links below to help guide you through the holiday season.
Transportation Resources:
- Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- METRA Commuter Rail
- PACE Bus
Addiction Resources:
