National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Posted December 15, 2025

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is observed every December. This designation, traditionally proclaimed by the President, serves as a critical, month-long national focus coinciding with the busy holiday season when travel and social gatherings increase the risk of impaired driving incidents.

This initiative is championed by organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and supported by agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Core Mission

The month aims to raise urgent awareness about the dangers of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. It emphasizes that every impaired driving death and injury is 100% preventable.

Fatalities and Frequency

Total December Fatalities: From 2019-2023, 4,931 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
Recent Monthly Total: 1,038 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in December 2023 alone.
Holiday Spike: Alcohol-impaired fatalities often represent around one-third of all traffic deaths annually, but this percentage can rise to nearly 50% on dates like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Deadliest Holiday: New Year’s Day is frequently cited as the single deadliest day of the year for drunk driving fatalities, with a likelihood of a fatal crash involving an intoxicated driver spiking significantly above the daily average.

The Danger Zone: Time of Day

The risk of encountering an impaired driver is heavily concentrated in the late evening and early morning hours:

Nighttime vs. Daytime: In December 2023, nighttime driving (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) was dramatically more dangerous. 30% of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes during this window were drunk.
Peak Danger Window: The period from midnight to 2:59 a.m. is the most critical, where nearly half (47%) of drivers involved in fatal crashes were drunk.

Broader Impairment (Beyond Alcohol)

While alcohol is the most commonly cited factor, the designation “Impaired Driving Prevention Month” addresses all substances:

Drug Impairment: Drug-impaired driving is a growing concern. Studies of seriously injured or killed drivers found that around 25% had active THC (found in marijuana) in their system.
High BAC: A significant portion of fatal crashes involve drivers who are heavily intoxicated; approximately 68% of traffic fatalities involving a drunk driver had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08 in most states.

Law Enforcement and Campaign Focus

To combat these spikes, the month is often paired with high-visibility law enforcement efforts:

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a prominent national campaign, often running from mid-December through New Year’s Day, featuring increased patrols and checkpoints to remove impaired drivers from the road.
“If You Feel Different, You Drive Different – Drive High Get a DUI” is a complementary campaign focused on drugged driving.

Your Role: Take Personal Responsibility

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month serves as a crucial reminder that preventing impaired driving is a collective responsibility, not just a law enforcement issue. Since every tragedy during this period is preventable, you can help save lives by committing the following actions:

Plan Ahead: Before attending any holiday party or celebration, arrange your ride home – whether it’s a designated driver, a taxi, or a rideshare service.
Know the Signs: Remember that impairment goes beyond alcohol. If you or someone else consumed any mind-altering substance (alcohol, marijuana, certain prescriptions), do not drive. As NHTSA advises: “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different”.
Speak Up: Never ride with an impaired driver. If you see someone who is impaired about to get behind the wheel, intervene by taking their keys or helping them find an alternative ride.
Support Victims: Remember the victims and families impacted by these preventable crimes, and support organizations to end this epidemic.

The decision to drive sober is the single most important choice you can make to ensure everyone gets home safely this holiday season.