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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Winter Holidays

About

Key Dates:

  • December 1-January 1: Winter Holidays Social Norming Campaign

Relevant, timely and seasonal messaging can help boost traffic safety communication efforts. 

We offer themed material for ahead of the winter holidays that encourages people to not get behind the wheel after drinking and to plan for a safe, sober ride home.  

Facts

December Stats

  • During the 2019-2023 December months, there were 4,931 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
  • Nighttime driving in December 2023 was significantly more dangerous than daytime driving, with 30% of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. being drunk. Almost half (47%) of drivers involved in fatal crashes between the hours of midnight and 2:59 a.m. were drunk.
  • In December 2023, drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (22%) compared to female drivers (18%).
  • Young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (27%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in December 2023.

Yearly national statistics related to this topic are available in our Drunk Driving section. For facts translated in Spanish, visit NHTSA.gov/Espanol.

Talking Points

We've prepared talking points related to this topic. After downloading, we encourage you to add local stats and facts to the document. 

Earned Media

We've produced sample news releases that can be used for media outreach.

  • Coming soon [English/Spanish]

Variable Message Board

DRIVE SOBER

FOR THE JOY

OF THE SEASON

SOBER DRIVERS

KEEP THE

HOLIDAYS BRIGHT

THE MERRIEST

CHOICE IS A

SOBER RIDE HOME

THE GIFT OF

LIFE IS IN A

SOBER RIDE

LOCK IN A SOBER

DRIVER BEFORE

THE JOLLY TIMES

BUZZED DRIVING

IS

DRUNK DRIVING

Download All Text

Additional Resources