The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is aware the night before Thanksgiving is traditionally a celebratory time. Lots of people will be heading out to reconnect with friends and family home for the holiday.

And the consumption of alcohol will no doubt be a part of many Thanksgiving Eve celebrations.

We understand everyone wants to have a good time. We want everyone to have a good time too.

But we also want everyone to be safe tonight. If your plans include alcohol, please plan to designate a driver or use a ride-sharing service.

“We are asking our community to partner with us and ensure to everyone has a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving,” Sheriff Rambosk said.

Be aware that we will be enhancing patrols and watching for impaired drivers.

The night before Thanksgiving has become one of the most deadly nights of the year because of the increase in drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, from 2015-2019, nearly 800 people across the U.S. died in crashes involving a drunk driver, according to the NTHSA. The holiday period begins on Thanksgiving Eve when we typically see people being to gather with family and friends. In fact, from 2015-2019, 135 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve in the U.S. were drunk.  

It’s important to understand even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person quickly. Buzzed driving is drunk driving, and if you feel different, you drive different.

Here are some tips to help keep you safe on the road this holiday season:

*Plan a safe way home before the celebration begins.

*Use a designated driver, or contact a friend or family member, taxi or ride-share service to ensure a safe ride home.

*If you see a drunken driver on the road in Collier County, call 911.

*If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys away from them and make arrangements to get them to their destination safely.

*If you are hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Always offer alcohol-free beverages and plenty to eat during the event. Make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

*Always buckle up.

*Report any drunken or impaired drivers by calling 911.