Summer brings more people on the road for both long road trips and short everyday travels. These drivers should not have to share the road with someone who has no business being behind the wheel of a car after making the decision to drive drunk or impaired. As Labor Day weekend approaches, we hope you are planning some relaxation and fun with family and friends. Labor Day is a time to honor the hard work you bring to your community, so whether you’re hosting a BBQ or heading to the beach, make sure to celebrate responsibly while reflecting on your contributions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 12,429 people were killed in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater) in 2023 (latest available data), including 3,832 drunk driving fatalities that occurred during the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While this number has decreased 6% since last year, this is still too many precious lives lost, and our work is not done until this number reaches zero. These crashes are 100% preventable. As the summer wraps up, and as you gather with your friends, family, and loved ones, take steps to get there responsibly.
Responsibility.org hosted two webinars this summer to help educate and empower all Americans to take steps to “GET THERE RESPONSIBLY.” The first dives into the reasons that people who drive drunk make the ultimate choice to do so. By understanding the catalysts, we can make better choices and plan ahead to stay safer. The second addresses teen driver safety–the mistakes teens make, the conversations parents should have, and the attention we should all pay in emphasizing the reality of the responsibilities of sharing the roads.
As the summer wraps up, and as you gather with your friends, family, and loved ones, take steps to get there responsibly.
Before heading out, download and use the Virtual Bar calculator to safely understand how alcohol will affect your BAC — plan to be safe and responsible before you take your first sip!
If you’re heading out and alcohol is involved, budget for and schedule a ride share in advance, appoint a designated driver, or take public transportation. In addition to making plans for yourself, don’t let any impaired friends behind the wheel, either.
Parents, with underage drinking levels at record lows — 67% of teens report that they have never consumed alcohol — don’t give underage drinking an excuse. Never supply alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age. It’s illegal, unsafe, and irresponsible. And, if you’re choosing to drink, always model responsibility.
If you are hosting, prioritize safety by providing beverage and food options for all. Include responsibility language in your invite, too, like reminding your guests to eat a full meal and plan ahead for a safe ride home. Check out more responsible hosting tips here.
Eliminating drunk driving takes all of us. When we come together and put these tools into action — whether it’s planning a safe ride home, talking to friends, or making informed choices — we ensure that no matter our destination, we all get there responsibly.
