Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving: Be Safe this Thanksgiving Weekend

There are few topics in which I have a zero tolerance for and one of them is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There really is no safe amount of alcohol to consume and then drive a car. If you are old enough to order a beverage then you are also mature and responsible enough to plan a safe ride home.

In 2009, there were 411 motor vehicle traffic fatalities on our nation’s highways during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Whether at a Thanksgiving dinner or catching up with hometown friends, many of us will be on the road this Thanksgiving weekend. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council are reminding everyone that the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you head out for your festivities. This Thanksgiving, help spread the joy; give thanks to life by not driving impaired.

See this beautiful face?

She is the reason that drunk driving is an intolerable offense. This is Jenny, one of my dearest friends. She was killed by a drunk driver on May 15, 1996 and there is still is not a day that passes without a thought of her. She was a beautiful soul, loved by many and missed by even more. Her life cut short by one person’s decision to drive under the influence.

How can you help?

Watch this testimonial video from Jody DeVere, CEO of AskPatty.com, about a tragic alcohol-impaired crash over the holiday season that killed several children.

Having a party at your house? Make sure to offer non-alcoholic drinks for the sober drivers. Check out this list of 50 non-alcoholic party drink recipes.

Need a lift? Here is a Facebook page with a list of nationwide alternative ride programs that can help keep you safer.

Want to learn more? Visit the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving website — Here you can sign a pledge not to drink and drive; play “Spot the Difference,” an interactive game that simulates the effects of buzzed driving; and watch a real-life video about how buzzed driving changed one woman’s life.

Thank you in advance for your help! This Thanksgiving, let’s work together to remind everyone that buzzed driving is drunk driving.

Don’t ruin Thanksgiving with a DUI — or worse, ruin someone’s life.

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving.

This post was brought to you by the Ad Council & Global Influence! All thoughts and opinions expressed are those of my own!