Drive Merry, Bright, and Sober This Holiday Season.

Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

[Columbus, Kansas] - This holiday season, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind all drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. We'll be working together to remind everyone of the importance of planning a sober ride home before heading out to enjoy the holiday festivities and en route to seasonal travel destinations. This holiday season, and every day, remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

"The holidays are a special time for every community, and it's more important than ever for us to stress safe driving habits," said Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves. "We know everyone is rushing around, finishing those last-minute errands and attending various holiday parties. But before you ever head out to the festivities, make sure you plan a sober ride home."

According to NHTSA, 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 29% (10,874) of those fatalities occurred in crashes during which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08. In fact, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver during the month of December 2017 alone. The holidays prove to be extra dangerous to drivers, as more people - drivers and pedestrians alike - are out on the roads.

Drunk driving isn't the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem. If drivers are impaired by any substance - alcohol or other drugs - they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is illegal in all states to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Remember: Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It's that simple.

Drinking and driving should never be combined. It's essential to plan a sober ride in advance if the holiday celebration will include alcohol. The alternative could change your life, not to mention the lives of your passengers, of pedestrians, or of other drivers and passengers nearby.

This holiday season, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving.