Tis the season to be jolly…

Happy Holidays!   and all that come with them.

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years – some of our favorite holidays.   We gather with our friends and family to give thanks, to celebrate, to reflect and to look forward.

And with the Holiday season, winter comes as well – although a large majority of the east coast would say it came rather early this year.

The combination of more people on the road travelling to gather with their families, the weather and its effects on the roadways and holiday parties, require us drivers to be overly diligent and responsible.

The first snowfall usually means we need to either relearn or we forget how to drive in it, or how to handle the torrential rainfall, depending on where we reside.   This time of year it is especially important to ensure you have properly inflated tires, your battery is in good working condition and in the event you are stuck on the road, you have a fuller vs. emptier gas tank.

But even more importantly, we need to exercise good judgment over the Holiday season when it comes to the annual Christmas or New Year’s party.   December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.   In addition to the Holiday parties, law enforcement will be stepping up its efforts to curtail drinking and driving through check points, overtime and increased public education.   According to MADD, Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, every minute one person is injured in an alcohol related accident.  Instead of becoming a statistic or potentially going to jail, hand off your keys or be a designated driver and don’t drink,  it’s the best gift you can give.

Some simple tips and/or suggestions:   1)  If you are hosting a party, have cab vouchers or drivers available to your guests if there is drinking involved.   2)  Food and coffee do not dissipate alcohol or its effects, do not be fooled into thinking they do.    3) Determine who the designated driver is and plan not to drive period.

Here’s to safe and happy holiday season!