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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

  • In the combined Decembers of 2020 through 2024, there were 4,994 fatalities in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver.
  • In December 2024 alone, there were 934 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities.
  • Male drivers (22%) were more likely to be involved in fatal alcohol-impaired crashes than female drivers (18%). 
  • Drivers ages 21-34 (27%) were most likely to be involved in fatal alcohol-impaired crashes.

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:  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