Two of the most celebrated days in December – Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve – also are among the most dangerous.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatalities involving alcohol were up 9% in 2020 despite less traveling due to the pandemic. Data also shows 40% of highway deaths during the holidays are alcohol related, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

National Drunk &Drugged Driving Prevention Month in December, which started in 1981, serves as a reminder to never drive impaired, Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer said.

“As your sheriff and in partnership with state and local law enforcement, we are focused on your safety as you travel the roads this time of year,” he said. “For that reason, we want to take this opportunity to pass along some helpful information.”

He said during the holidays and into the new year, the number of travelers on roads peaks as friends and family come together to celebrate. As a result of holiday gatherings, and because this season can unfortunately be difficult for some, drivers are more likely to be impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.

Drunk and drugged driving arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend.

“According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, one person in the United States dies every 48 minutes in a drunk driving crash, claiming more than 10,000 lives per year,” Meyer said. “In 2019, 106 people were killed in alcohol-related collisions in Indiana, accounting for 13 percent of the state’s traffic fatalities.”

The Indiana University Public Policy Institute reported in 2019 that the highest percentage of fatal and incapacitating injuries happened most often between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m., particularly on the weekends, with the highest hourly rates of impaired crashes occurring between 3 and 4 a.m. Sundays.

In addition to the risk of serious injury or death, drunk and drugged driving carries other serious consequences.

Meyer said if a person is arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, the following will happen:

The person will be handcuffed and taken to the police station

The driver along with their car will be searched.

The car will be towed at the driver’s expense

That person will be asked to take a certified breath test and if refused, the driver’s license will automatically be suspended for one year; if the driver takes a breath test and it shows the blood alcohol content is 0.08% or more, the person’s driver’s license may be suspended; and to be released from jail, the driver may have to post bail

“And those are just the consequences for arrest,” Meyer said. “If you are convicted; you will have to pay court costs and fees in excess of $300; you may receive a jail sentence; you may be fined; your license may be suspended; you may be required to attend drug and alcohol classes; and you may be required to submit to random drug screens. These possible penalties increase substantially for second and third-time offenses.”

On top of these very serious consequences, drivers under the influence put others at great risk of harm, and fatal accidents involving drugs or alcohol carry stiff penalties.

Meyer said Mothers Against Drunk Driving also known as MADD provides these tips on staying safe this season and throughout the year:

Put safety before the party, plan ahead and always designate a non-drinking driver

Never ride with someone who is impaired

Choose to be the non-drinking designated driver

Host parties that include mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages and provide alternate transportation or accommodations for guests who choose to drink

“We hope everyone in the community has a fun and festive time celebrating safely this year. However, we encourage everyone to do so responsibly,” he said. “The consequence for a poor decision could not only be costly and burdensome, it could also result in serious injury or death to you, a loved one or someone else.”