TACH Reports Madd Says Impaired Driving Risks Increase Over the Holidays Asks Everyone to Plan Ahead

Chicago, IL December 18, 2024; As the holiday season kicks into high gear, Mothers Against Drunk Driving is calling on everyone to prevent impaired driving by prioritizing safety. The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of year on the roads, due to an increase in impaired driving crashes. As millions of people travel to celebrate the holidays together, MADD encourages everyone to spread the message: never drive impaired and plan a safe ride home to ensure a joyous holiday season. 

According to NHTSA, in 2022 471 people in IL were senselessly killed by drunk drivers. “Holiday festivities coupled with year-end travel and winter weather contribute to heightened impaired driving risks, making roadways particularly hazardous in December and January,�?? said Emlyn Bertsche, Regional Executive Director MADD IL. “If you plan to drink, arrange a safe way home ahead of time — whether it’s a rideshare, a sober driver, or public transportation. This simple action can save lives, prevent serious injuries, and protect everyone this holiday season.�??

Impaired driving remains a pressing public safety issue throughout the holidays, as families and friends gather to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year. Drunk driving claimed 4,759 lives during the December months of 2018-2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) In 2022, 1,210 people died in alcohol-related crashes in December alone. Over the New Year's holiday period in 2022, there were 420 crash fatalities — 37% of which involved a drunk driver, according to NHTSA

In addition to planning a safe ride home in advance, parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about underage drinking and impaired driving. MADD’s evidence-based  is a proven resource for parents, offering strategies to educate their children about the importance of making safe choices.

Those hosting this holiday season can also take proactive steps to ensure everyone’s safety. By helping guests plan a safe way home, offering a place to stay, or arranging a rideshare, hosts can play a crucial role in preventing impaired driving crashes and creating a safer holiday for all.

Drunk driving fatalities have increased by 33% since 2019. Every 78 seconds, someone in the U.S. is killed or injured by a drunk driver. MADD IL believes anti-drunk driving technology can end impaired driving. The HALT Drunk Driving Act

About MADD

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by nearly 40%, saved more than 475,000 lives, and served more than one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit