Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 10,500 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes last year.

Historically, holiday periods have shown higher incidences of alcohol-impaired driving crashes, so whether you're at a holiday party, a New Year’s Eve bash at a bar or reveling with friends, the NHTSA and the Ad Council are reminding everyone that the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you head out for your festivities.

Here are seven ways to stay safe this holiday:

• Use one of the NHTSA's fun, holiday-themed posters on your blog or Facebook page
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
• If you’re impaired, use a local taxi service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
• Use your community’s sober ride program
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement
• Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you know people who are about to drive or ride with someone who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.