Winter – Recipes for the Road
December 1, 2025
| As celebrations begin and gatherings fill our calendars, the importance of driving safely takes center stage. Unfortunately, there is a higher likelihood of people getting behind the wheel under the influence in December than other times throughout the year. In December of 2022, drunk driving deaths reached their highest level in 15 years, according to NHTSA. This is why December is recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. It is an opportunity to remind communities that impaired driving is preventable and that every safe choice behind the wheel saves lives. To help reduce impaired driving this season, FDOT supports national campaigns such as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different – Drive High Get a DUI. These campaigns raise awareness about the serious consequences of impaired driving. During this period, law enforcement agencies across the state will increase patrols to help keep impaired drivers off the road. Here in Florida, the data tells a powerful story. Florida’s 2021 Strategic Highway Safety Plan reveals that one in every four traffic fatalities involve a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs. This reality underscores why our work matters. Each time we share safety messages or encourage responsible choices, we move closer to our goal of zero alcohol- and drug-related deaths and injuries on Florida’s roadways. We extend our sincere thanks to the Community Traffic Safety Teams, partners, and agencies that continue to share these important messages throughout the season. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call ‘home,’ we all can play a role in supporting safety ✨Display the attached holiday safety poster around your workspace to share quick safety tips for the holiday season. ✨Jump start the driver safety discussion and spread some holiday cheer by using the new Teams background attached here. ✨Access and share downloadable traffic safety materials from NHTSA’s webpage for Winter Holidays, linked here . In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts ✨Download and share FDOT District Two’s Annual ‘Recipes for the Road’ created by the Community Traffic Safety Program! This digital flipbook, also available as a printable PDF, features festive mocktail recipes and safety tips perfect for sharing with team members, agencies, and local businesses. ✨Explore alternative ways to get home safely after a holiday celebration, linked here. ✨Join us in amplifying the message of safety on social media by liking and sharing FDOT’s holiday safety posts on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not ‘on-the-clock,’ there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida ✨The National Impaired Driving Prevention Month campaign reminds us that impaired driving is entirely preventable, and that every safe choice behind the wheel saves lives. In December 2022, 1,062 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. Between 2018 and 2022, more than 4,750 lives were lost in December alone. Drug-impaired driving is equally dangerous and illegal in all 50 states. A recent NHTSA study found that about one in four seriously injured drivers had active THC, the primary ingredient in marijuana, in their system (source). The message is clear: drive sober and help others do the same. ✨The best gift you can give this season is helping everyone arrive home safely: 👉Plan for a sober ride before heading out. 👉Only drive if you are sober. 👉If you’re hosting, never let someone drive impaired. Help them secure a safe, sober ride home. 👉Tow to Go: During the holiday season, AAA offers their free Tow to Go program throughout Florida! Tow to Go provides a free and confidential ride for impaired drivers and their vehicles who do not have a safe alternative, within 10 miles. To arrange a Tow to Go, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO (855-286-9246). 👉If you see a suspected impaired driver, call *FHP (*347). For emergencies, dial 911. ✨As the season brings shopping, travel, and celebration, take a moment to pause, breathe, and remember: every safe trip home is a victory. 👉Make drive time you time by turning on your cell phone’s “Do Not Disturb” mode. 👉Embrace the space: maintain calm and keep distance between vehicles. Leave early or arrive late, just get there safely. 👉Buckle up, every trip, every time. Together, we can ensure every celebration ends with loved ones safely at home. Thank you for the dedication, creativity, and compassion you bring to this mission every day. Let’s get everyone home safely! Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
