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Simple Tips for Safe Holiday Hosting



In the past few years, articles about “safe” hosting during the holidays have focused mostly on preventing the spread of pathogens like COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV. Keeping your family safe from these communicable diseases is incredibly important, of course, but I urge the public not to forget about another killer that is rampant this time of year: impaired driving.


I have spent the past 40 plus years advocating for safe driving yet the problem continues and though we have made some positive progress the problem has worsened in the past few years. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2020. These deaths were all preventable. (NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Association)


One of the most prevalent times drivers seem to disregard safe driving choices is during the holidays.  The name of the game seems to be celebrating. Whether it is celebrating your particular holiday, celebrating New Year’s or celebrating friends and family, it is party time. This is especially true now that the public perception of the  pandemic has waned, and more families and friends are coming together for in-person holiday celebrations. This is a reason for joy, of course, but also a reason to be wary… more gatherings means more alcohol means more bad driving choices from selfish guests who choose to drive home intoxicated. However, as a host of a holiday party, you can make a difference. Your smart choices could prevent someone from making a bad one… and could save multiple lives.


Here are my tips for safe, responsible party hosting this holiday season:

  1. Prepare to remain sober yourself: Fetching snacks and cleaning spills aren’t your only tasks as a host. You are also responsible for the safety of your guests, which means not over-imbibing yourself. It’s much easier to notice when someone else is intoxicated when you as host are clear-headed. 
  2. Serve non-alcoholic drinks: Sometimes people drink more than they plan to simply because there are no other options. Stock the fridge with sodas, juices, or non-alcoholic beer, wine or mocktails and offer them freely – you’d be surprised how many delicious alcohol-free dupes there are these days! Of course, NEVER serve alcohol to minors. 
  3. Have plenty of food on hand: It’s proven that food can help counter the effects of alcohol, while drinking on an empty stomach can lead to blackouts that often result in people making unsafe decisions. Tacos, pizza, pasta or steak, studies have shown that all types of food (carbs, proteins, and fats) help the body process alcohol.
  4. Get out the air mattress: Whether or not you have a guest bedroom, you should be prepared to allow guests to stay the night if they are intoxicated. Couch, air mattress, or sleeping bag, any accommodations are better than a jail cell for inebriated guests. If you don’t have room to house guests, offer to pay for a safe ride home.
  5. Read about more tips to ensure your guests safety.



Because we care . . .


On behalf of We Save Lives and myself I would like to thank all the organizations who have helped make our campaigns a success. They work hard year-round to prevent motor vehicle crashes and they deserve everyone’s appreciation. I would like to especially thank, The Guido Memorial Foundation, Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Impact Teen Drivers, the Christopher King Foundation, the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition, and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) for their participation in our 100 Safest Days of Summer Campaign. I also want to thank the Governors Highway Safety Association and all those many other organizations who helped make our National Passenger Safety Week Campaign a resounding triumph. The campaign (recognized by the National Highway Traffic Association, NHTSA) is the last week in January.

But my biggest appreciation goes to the National Road Safety Foundation whose help, support, and belief in saving lives is critical when accomplishing the impossible. They do so much good educating teens and adults about numerous safety issues that no one else does. If they hear of a problem, they look to educate everyone on how to solve the problem. They have tools, videos, and brochures to share so if you need anything for your school, organization, or yourself,  just go to their website.


I also want to wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season. May your new year bring you joy and contentment. And may your new year's resolutions include driving safer than ever!


Candace Lightner, President and Founder

We Save Lives.org


PS Still looking for last minute Christmas gifts. Donate to We Save Lives on behalf of your friends and relatives and we will let them know.


Thank you.


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