National Impaired Driving Prevention Month: What Lancaster Families Need to Know
December is a month filled with celebration, travel, and family traditions. It’s also National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a nationwide reminder that alcohol- and drug-related crashes increase sharply during the holiday season. In Lancaster County, we see the very real impact these incidents have on families, neighborhoods, and the entire community.
This month, Counseling Services of Lancaster wants to raise awareness and promote safe choices that protect lives on our roads.
Why December Is So High-Risk
The holiday season creates the “perfect storm” of risk factors:
More gatherings where alcohol is present
Seasonal stress that can lead to misuse of alcohol or drugs
Busy roads filled with travelers and last-minute shoppers
Teens home on winter break with more unstructured time
Higher rates of depression and loneliness, which may worsen substance use
When alcohol or drugs enter the picture, even “a little” can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time — turning a festive night into a life-changing tragedy.
The Realities of Impaired Driving
Impaired driving isn’t just driving drunk. It includes:
Alcohol impairment (buzzed, tipsy, or drunk driving)
Marijuana impairment, which slows reaction time and affects decision-making
Opioid or prescription drug impairment, even when taken legally
Poly-substance use, such as drinking and vaping or mixing alcohol with pills
Driving while overly fatigued, which can mimic impairment
In South Carolina, impaired driving is a leading cause of preventable crashes. These incidents don’t just impact strangers on the road — they impact coworkers, classmates, and neighbors right here in Lancaster.
How Families Can Stay Safe This Month
Every family can take simple steps to reduce risk during the holidays.
1. Plan ahead for holiday gatherings
Arrange a designated driver, call a ride service, or stay the night. A plan made ahead of time is more reliable than a decision made after you’ve been drinking.
2. Talk openly with teens
Teens face pressure around alcohol, vaping, pills, and marijuana — especially during winter break. Clear expectations and honest conversations matter more than you think.
3. Lock up and properly store medications
Opioid misuse often starts with medicine cabinets at home. Keeping medications secure protects both teens and visitors.
4. Know how certain medications affect driving
Pain medications, sleep aids, anxiety meds, and other prescriptions can impair judgment. Read labels and avoid driving until you know how your body reacts.
5. Step in when something feels unsafe
If someone is about to drive impaired, speak up — even when it’s uncomfortable. A few seconds of courage can save a life.
What Impairment Looks Like Behind the Wheel
Many people assume they “feel fine,” but impairment can begin with:
Slower reaction time
Difficulty staying in a lane
Poor decision-making
Overconfidence
Delayed braking
Trouble judging distance
These small changes are exactly what lead to major accidents.
How Counseling Services of Lancaster Supports Our Community
We’re more than a treatment center — we’re a community partner dedicated to safety, prevention, and recovery. CSL offers:
Counseling for alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and opioid misuse
Support for teens and families
Prevention programs in schools and community spaces
Confidential outpatient treatment for adults and adolescents
Whether someone is struggling with alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substances, support is available close to home.
This December, Make a Choice That Protects Lives
The holiday season brings enough joy, celebration, and togetherness on its own — no drink, vape, or pill is worth risking a life. By making safe choices, we protect not only ourselves, but our children, neighbors, and everyone traveling the roads of Lancaster County.
If you or someone you love needs support, Counseling Services of Lancaster is here with confidential, compassionate care.
You’re not alone. Help is close, and recovery is possible. Reach out to us here.
