Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season

The Lynnfield Police Department supports safe driving practices this holiday season and throughout the year. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019 during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, 210 lives were lost due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes. That’s 210 people in one week who didn’t make it home because either they or another driver chose to use alcohol and then get behind the wheel.

Alcohol-impaired driving crashes increase throughout December as more people travel for the
holidays. SAMHSA’s 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed over 26
million people ages 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol or illicit
drugs during the past year. Approximately 17 percent of these people were 20 to
25 years old. It’s important to note that many other substances can
impair driving, including marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or even prescribed
or over-the-counter medications. There are legal and public safety consequences
for operating under the influence.

The Lynnfield Police Department asks that the community considers the risks of
impaired driving and takes steps to stay safe. Communicate with your
children, friends, family, and co-workers about safe choices.

This December, we all have the power to prevent a tragedy and ensure that those we
care about travel to and from their gatherings safely.

On behalf of the Lynnfield Police Department, have a safe and happy holiday
season!