December 16, 2025 - The empty chair at the dinner table tells its own story. The wrapped gifts never opened. The New Year's toast never raised. The traditions that end suddenly and violently because someone thought they were fine to drive.
The holiday season brings joy to most families. But according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it also brings tragedy. More than a thousand people (1,038) died in drunk driving crashes during December 2023 alone. Each one represents a mother, father, child, or friend who never made it home for Christmas dinner or the New Year's celebration.
The late-night hours turn deadly. Nearly half of all drivers in fatal crashes between midnight and 3 a.m. were drunk. Those are the hours when Christmas parties wind down, when New Year's Eve countdowns end, when celebrations blur into poor decisions, when lives hang in the balance of choices made in a moment.
The truth is both simple and profound: we all need to stay sober throughout these holiday weeks. When alcohol and drugs cloud our judgment, tragedies ripple outward, touching not just those who made the choice, but innocent families on the same road. Every person who chooses clarity and sobriety becomes a guardian for their entire community.
This holiday season, and beyond, choose to be fully present for every moment. Choose to remember every laugh, every hug, every celebration with the people you love. If you see someone about to make a choice they'll regret, reach out with compassion. That brief conversation could change everything. Make memories, not mistakes. Stay sober, stay safe, and help others do the same. That's how we all get to celebrate together through the holidays and welcome 2026 with the ones we love.
If you or a loved one need help addressing a substance problem, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council at (936) 634-5753 or visit www.adacdet.org
