Do not drink and drive this holiday season

Published 7:00 am Tuesday, November 21, 2017

With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, many of us will get together with our loved ones and personal friends to celebrate the holidays. During the holidays, people might indulge in some alcoholic beverage. If a friend or loved one consumes alcohol, let’s make sure they don’t make the mistake of drinking and driving.

Many people think just because they drank two or three alcoholic beverages, they will be fine to drive back home, but that’s not always the case. No matter the situation or the amount of drinks consumed, drinking and driving should never be an option.

According to a press release from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, two fatalities and 67 DUI arrests took place last year during Thanksgiving week.

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For anyone planning on drinking alcoholic beverages during the holidays, make sure to have a designated driver. If you are unable to find a designated driver, call a taxi or you can check for the local availability of services such as Uber or Lyft. Not driving under the influence will not only save lives but will also save a lot of money.

According to drivinglaws.org, the national average cost of a DUI is $10,000. Getting a DUI will not only affect a person financially but will also have a negative impact on their record.

Some of the consequences of driving under the influence might involve going to jail, suspension of a driver’s license, fines, auto insurance premiums will go up and there is the possibility you will lose your job.

At the end of the day, drinking and driving can always be avoided. While we look forward to having a good time with our family and friends, let’s make sure to not drink and drive.