Buzzed Driving Could Cost Around $10,000 – Six Tips To Prevent It

Editor's note: This information came from a press release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Did you know getting pulled over for Buzzed Driving could cost a driver around $10,000 in fines, legal fees, and increased insurance rates?

As the excitement and celebrations of the holiday season get into full swing, one thing that may not be on people’s minds is buzzed driving. However, over 10,000 people were killed in 2010 in drunk driving crashes.  A buzzed driving crash can happen to anyone, anywhere.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council are continuing their fight against drunk driving with the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving PSA campaign.  So during this holiday season, amid all the hype, the shopping, and the parties, we hope that you can fit in a quick message to your readers, and remind them of these six easy tips to help 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.

Help spread this message before the holidays, traditionally a season for celebrations with good food, good friends, and yes, alcoholic beverages, by posting about the dangers of buzzed driving. Your readers can find more information, get the latest updates and  ask questions on the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving Twitter feed (@NHTSAgov) and on Facebook.