Because it’s hard to have a happy holiday when you’re arrested for drunk driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with the Santa Barbara Police Department to urge drivers to think twice before drinking and driving.

NHTSA and the Santa Barbara Police Department want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Drivers will see officers working on a special high visibility-enforcement campaign, Dec. 15-Jan. 1, to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving, .

December can be a dangerous time for people on the roads. During the 2017-21 December months, more than 4,500 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, the NHTSA reports. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people died in alcohol impaired-driving crashes.

Male drivers are reported to be far more likely to be impacted by drunk driving: In December 2021, drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (721) compared to female drivers (208), according to reports.

Male drivers were almost four times more likely (721) to be alcohol-impaired and involved in a fatal traffic crash than females (208) in December 2021.

More parties and festivities celebrating the season brings out more drunk drivers, so NHTSA and the Santa Barbara Police Department urge drivers to always make a plan before heading out to a celebration.

“Drunk driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal,” said Sgt. Douglas Klug. “Drivers have a choice to make: Follow the law and respect their fellow drivers by refraining from drunk driving. Or, make the choice to drive drunk, put others at risk, and risk your own mortality and well-being.

“We need a commitment from every driver to keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday.”

According to NHTSA, 13,384 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 involved alcohol-impaired drivers. This represented 31% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. for the year, and a 14.2% increase from 2020. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.

“Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior,” said Sgt. Klug. “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party. There are too many resources to get you home safely. There are just no excuses for drunk driving.”

Among the many options to help impaired drivers get home safely are designating a sober driver, or calling a taxi or rideshare. If available, motorists can use their community’s sober ride program.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact any law enforcement agency by dialing 9-1-1, police said.

A few dollars spent on a ride is much cheaper than a DUI, which can cost up to $10,000.

Something else police ask drivers to consider: “Don’t ever be too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride. Allowing a sober driver to help you get home safely keeps you and others safe.

“What’s more embarrassing than drunkenly asking for a sober ride home? Spending the night in jail. Having your car impounded. Losing your job or your security clearance. Take your pick.”

No one is immune to the effects of drunk driving, police point out. If you find yourself drunk and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home, police said.

“If you have a friend who is about to drive drunk, take away their keys and help them get home safely,” police admonish. “Don’t worry about offending someone; they’ll thank you later.

“Always have a plan before you head out for the evening,” police said. “If you wait until after you’ve been drinking to figure out how to get from one place to the next, you will already be too impaired to make the right choices.”

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.