The holidays are here, and that means parties, laughter, and — unfortunately — more people hitting the roads after they’ve been drinking. All too often, drivers think it’s okay to get behind the wheel because they’re “just buzzed.” But here’s the reality: Buzzed driving is drunk driving, and it’s more dangerous than you might realize.
Every 39 minutes, someone loses their life in an alcohol-related crash, and most of these tragedies could have been prevented. Even a couple of drinks can slow your reflexes and put lives at risk. Let’s take a look at some top tips to help keep the roads — and the holidays — safer for everyone.
By the Numbers: The Dangers of Buzzed Driving
In 2022 alone 13,524 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes. Even more sobering? Of these deaths, 2,337 involved drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.01 and 0.07 — below the legal limit.
So, next time you think about hitting the road because you don’t “feel” intoxicated, think again. These numbers prove that even small amounts of alcohol can affect your judgment and ability to drive safely.
Defensive Driving Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads
During the holidays, increased celebrations and late-night driving create the perfect storm for tragic outcomes. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, the risks are real.
By driving defensively, you can better protect yourself and others from impaired drivers on the road. Here’s how:
Give yourself extra space: Keep a greater following distance than usual — at least four to five seconds — so you have more time to react if a driver ahead of you brakes suddenly or swerves. Impaired drivers often make unpredictable moves, so stay alert.
Be cautious at intersections: Always look both ways, even if you have the right-of-way. Impaired drivers may run stop signs, blow through red lights, or fail to yield. Take an extra second to check for any unexpected hazards.
Watch for erratic driving: Signs of impaired driving include speeding, drifting between lanes, sudden braking, or delayed reactions at traffic lights. If you spot someone driving dangerously, slow down, increase your distance, and avoid passing them.
Stick to well-lit, familiar routes: Driving at night is already more challenging, and impaired drivers are often on the road after dark. Stay on roads you know well, where visibility is better, and be extra cautious during late-night hours.
Stay focused and distraction-free: Now’s not the time to glance at your phone, adjust the radio, or multitask behind the wheel. Avoid all forms of distracted driving, and keep your attention fully on the road.
Plan for Safe Transportation After Holiday Parties
Impaired driving often happens because people fail to plan ahead. A little preparation can help you make sure everyone gets home safely. If you know you’ll be drinking, consider leaving the car at home. Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft or public transportation to eliminate the temptation to drive home later.
If this isn’t an option, choose a designated driver. Make sure it’s someone you can trust to stick to the plan and avoid any drinks. Finally, sometimes plans change, and that’s okay. Make sure you have a rideshare app downloaded, the number of a sober friend or relative who can pick you up, or set up a group chat to coordinate last-minute options.
Common Buzzed Driving Misconceptions
There are a lot of myths people tell themselves when they’ve been drinking, especially during holiday celebrations. Let’s clear up a few of the most common ones:
“I’m fine to drive — I only had a couple of drinks.”
Even one or two drinks can affect your reaction time and decision-making. A BAC below the legal limit doesn’t mean you’re safe to drive.
“I’ll just wait a little and sober up.”
You might feel better after some time, but alcohol doesn’t leave your system quickly. If you’ve been drinking, waiting a half hour isn’t enough. Don’t take chances. Get a sober ride.
“I’ll take the back roads — it’s safer.”
It’s not. Quiet roads don’t make impaired driving less dangerous. Plus, you may have a greater chance of hitting wildlife or having to navigate poorly lit roads.
“I’m the designated driver, but one drink won’t hurt.”
It will. A designated driver’s job is to stay completely sober. Even one drink compromises your ability to drive safely.
These misconceptions are easy to fall for, but ignoring the truth could be deadly. So, plan ahead, stick to your decision, and don’t take unnecessary risks.
Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season
Enjoying some festive cheer shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. This holiday season, help keep everyone safer by never driving after drinking alcohol (yes, even one!). And if you want to feel safer around other drivers, consider iDriveSafely’s Online Defensive Driving Course. It can sharpen your skills, teach you to spot risky drivers, and help you avoid accidents — so you can make sure the season is memorable for all the right reasons.
Updated 12/23/2024
