2019-2020 Increase In Drunk Driving Deaths Largest in California Out Of Any State

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – This holiday season, the California region of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and local law enforcement to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

MADD, NHTSA, OTS and local law enforcement partners want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drivers will see officers working together December 14, 2022, through January 1, 2023, looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The holidays are one of the most dangerous times on our nation’s roadways as more people travel to celebrate with friends and family. According to NHTSA, California had the largest increase of any state in the number of lives lost in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2020 – an alarming 20% increase in the number of fatalities from 2019 to 2020. During the month of December 2020, 937 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, accounting for 29% of all traffic deaths. This is why MADD is working with local law enforcement to remind the public that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“We know everyone is rushing around during the weeks leading up to the holidays, preparing for holiday gatherings and getting into the seasonal mood,” said Patricia Rillera, MADD California State Executive Director. “If you plan to head out to festivities, make sure you plan a sober ride home because driving drunk should never be an option. Even one drink is one drink too many if you’re the driver.” Rillera said.

Understand the Risks

Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. If you’re caught drinking and driving you could face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $22,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, higher insurance rates, and lost wages, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

MADD recommends these safe party tips, especially for those hosting this holiday season: The safest choice is to never drink and drive. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver, use a ride service or public transportation, call a taxi or a sober friend to get home safely. Confirm your party guests have a plan for a safe way home and offer non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and those who do not drink. If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, as soon as it is safe call 911 to report them. Don’t let your friends drive impaired. Take the keys away and arrange to get your friend home safely or invite them to stay the night.

For more safe party tips, visit MADD.ORG/SAFEPARTY. For more information about the 2022 Holiday Season Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save over 390,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.