With all of the holidays and celebrations that happen in December, it’s easy to forget other important events. December marks the beginning of two very important campaigns: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and National Human Rights Months!

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Formerly known as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, this campaign was started in 1992 in response to the increased number of impaired driving accidents that happen in December. Because of the combined effect alcohol and marijuana use have on cognitive, perceptual and motor functions, impaired driving significantly increases the likelihood of fatal car crashes. In fact, a recent study spanning 5 years found that during the period from Christmas to New Years an average of 300 people died each year from drunk driving crashes. Besides alcohol and drugs, we have now added the problem of distracted driving as a third real danger at the wheel.

Let’s be safe this holiday season, and always #DriveSoberOrGetPulledOver.

National Human Rights Month

December is also National Human Rights Month. This campaign was started in 1948 to celebrate the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These 30 articles helped define what basic human rights are and have helped us stand up for our own rights and the rights of others over the years. Last year, the UN started a year-long campaign to highlight what the Universal Declaration means in the everyday lives of people across the world. There are three main objectives to this campaign: engage global audiences, promote understanding of how the Universal Declaration empowers us all, and encourage further reflection on how we can stand up for rights every day. This campaign ends on December 10th, the 70th anniversary of this declaration.

Check out their website to learn more and discover ways you can #StandUp4HumanRights.

Visit our website to learn about our alcohol and drug use programming for your campus or court.