Traffic Officials Warn 'Don't Wreck Your Holidays'

As people got ready for the celebratory traditions of Christmas and New Year, officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distributed public safety announcements warning of the dangers, and consequences, of driving drunk or even just "buzzed."

Getting pulled over for buzzed driving could cost about $10,000 in fines, legal fees and increased insurance rates.

Officials warn that in 2010 more than 10,000 people died in drunk driving crashes. A buzzed driving crash can happen to anyone.

At the beginning of the month, the NHTSA and the Ad Council ramped up their fight against drunk driving with the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving PSA campaign, asking people to remember these six easy tips during this holiday season to prevent buzzed driving:  

1. Spread the message about buzzed driving
2. Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
3. If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
4. If your community has a program that offers free rides home, use it.
5. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local police.
6. 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 their destination safely.

You can get the latest updates and  ask questions on the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving Twitter feed (@NHTSAgov) and on Facebook. 

Have a safe Holiday Season and remember to drive sober!