National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, held annually in December, aims to spread awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is full of celebration and joy. Unfortunately, this time of year can also potentially lead to tragedy when individuals driving under the influence take to the roads.

Research has shown that impaired drivers frequently have co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Studies have found that having a substance use disorder increases a person’s likelihood of having other psychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder).

Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Motor Vehicle Safety web page for information about impaired driving and strategies for preventing deaths or injuries.