Connect with us

Home

Celebrate at home, not on the road.

Published

on

The holidays are here, bringing with them family, fun and a dose of partying. It may be no surprise then that December is known as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2013, there were more than 10,076 fatal crashes that involved a driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. There is good news: The number of fatal, alcohol involved crashes in the entire year of 2013 has declined from a high of 13,582 fatal accidents involving alcohol in 2005.

To remind individuals of the dangers involved in driving while impaired, the NHTSA launches a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign each year, from December to January. The NHTSA reports that nearly 1,000 deaths occur because of impaired drivers during the month of December alone.

Although fatal crashes where drivers died have declined over the years, more drivers are impaired not by alcohol, but by other drugs. From 2006 to 2012, drug involvement in this type of crash increased six percentage points. Although the campaigns used to target drunken driving specifically, now that marijuana is legal in a handful of states, the campaigns have changed to target impaired driving as a whole, including driving after smoking marijuana or ingesting another drug.

For example, in May 2016, AAA reported that deadly crashes that occurred after drivers had used marijuana in Washington State doubled between 2013 and 2014. These campaigns highlight the importance of making the right choices during the holiday season. If you’ve been out drinking, there are options: call a cab; get a ride with a sober friend; have a designated driver. There are always options that are better than getting into a car and driving after you’ve been drinking or partying for the holiday season.

Front Royal, VA
54°
Cloudy
6:07 am8:11 pm EDT
Feels like: 54°F
Wind: 4mph N
Humidity: 63%
Pressure: 29.92"Hg
UV index: 0
FriSatSun
72°F / 52°F
73°F / 54°F
81°F / 52°F
Obituaries21 hours ago

Edwin Johnson Henry (1936 – 2026)

Legislative Update2 days ago

Congressman Ben Cline Highlights Budget Reform, SNAP Oversight, and Space Competition

Obituaries2 days ago

Kimberly D. Licazi Fox (1970 – 2026)

Crime/Court2 days ago

June 17th Set for Continued Hearing on Natalie Godin’s Psychological Evaluation and Supervised Conditional Release

Regional News2 days ago

US Senate GOP Wants $1 Billion for Security for Trump’s Ballroom in Immigration Bill

Local Government2 days ago

Urban Agriculture and Firearm Assembly at Town Council Work Session

Community Events2 days ago

Front Royal Programs Highlight Housing, Food, and Community Support

State News2 days ago

Virginia Joins 21 States in Opposing USPS Gun Mailing Proposal

Opinion2 days ago

Commentary: Spanberger’s Data Center Position is the Test of Her Affordability Message

State News2 days ago

Spanberger Weighs Legislation to Allow Class Action Lawsuits in Virginia Courts

Interesting Things to Know2 days ago

Electricity Doesn’t Give Second Chances on the Job Site

Legal Notices3 days ago

ORDER OF PUBLICATION: In the Circuit Court for Warren County, Virginia

Opinion3 days ago

An Open Letter of Gratitude to the Teachers in Warren County, Virginia

Local News3 days ago

John’s Dream Scores 35th Win at Shenandoah Downs, Headlining Virginia Breeder’s Aged Stakes  

Interesting Things to Know3 days ago

The Dog Who Owned the Mail

Food3 days ago

Dad’s Secret Treat for Mother’s Day: The Frittata

State News3 days ago

Governor Spanberger Signs Bill to Decriminalize Suicide

Obituaries3 days ago

Otis Sterling “Hubby” Darnell Sr. (1945 – 2026)

Interesting Things to Know4 days ago

Virginia Lit the Fuse for Independence — 250 Years Ago This Month

Business4 days ago

Made in America: Why It’s a 20-Year Project, Not a One-Year Fix

Obituaries5 days ago

Alford “A.D.” Carter III (1950 – 2026)

Chamber News5 days ago

Downtown Local Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Community Support

Community Events5 days ago

Free Comic Book Day Brings Crowds, Creativity to Main Street in Front Royal

Local Government5 days ago

Front Royal Tax Increase Debate Deepens as Full Cost Picture Comes Into Focus

Local News5 days ago

Royal Visit Inspires Push for Annual Heritage Festival in Front Royal