Orgs warn of holiday driving dangers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - This season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers, and local law enforcement is working hard to make our roads safer.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and a host of professionals who deal with the effects of drunk driving are trying to get the word out about making safe choices during the holidays.

The slogan of the Erie County Sheriff's Office and others is: "Don't drive if you're tipsy, buzzed or blitzen."

Sheriff Tim Howard cited figures from a national study a few years ago that illustrate how much danger there is on the roads this time of year.

"At the time of this study, the national average for DWI or alcohol-related fatalities was 35 per day. But during this holiday period beginning with the night before Thanksgiving, it jumps to 50 and remains there at 45 with another spike at the end of the period at 55 on New Year's Eve. So it certainly is a good time for us to be getting together for this review," Sheriff Howard said.

You can expect to see more sobriety checkpoints over the next month, a holiday billboard campaign, and a drive safe tree at the Erie County Fairgrounds Festival of Lights. These are all reminders to use extra caution behind the wheel during the holidays.