FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEFIANCE COUNTY SAFE COMMUNITIES COALITION REMINDS COMMUNITY TO DRIVE SAFE. DRIVE SOBER. DRIVE BRIGHT.
DEFIANCE, OH – The Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and local law enforcement for a winter holiday safety push from December 10, 2025, through January 1, 2026. This year’s high-visibility campaigns — Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI — remind everyone that whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or other impairing drugs, impaired is impaired.
The holidays are full of celebrations, bright lights, and time with people we care about and they’re also a time when impaired-driving crashes increase nationwide. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 5,000 people were killed in December crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. And drug-impaired driving continues to be a growing concern, especially during winter gatherings.
“It’s simple: if you choose to drive impaired — whether from alcohol, marijuana, or medications — you’re putting yourself and everyone on the road at risk,” said Lt. Brad Grillot of the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office. “We want everyone to celebrate safely and we also want everyone to get home safely. A sober ride is always the right call.”
Many people think being “just buzzed” or “just a little high” won’t affect their driving and yet the research shows otherwise. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times, affect decision-making, and make it harder to stay in your lane. Even some prescription or over-the-counter medicines can make driving unsafe.
To keep our roads merry and bright, the Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition encourages everyone to plan ahead:
- Choose a designated sober driver before celebrations begin.
- Use a taxi if you drink or use impairing drugs.
- If you can’t drive safely, hand your keys to someone who can.
- Be a good friend — don’t let someone drive impaired.
- If you see a driver you believe is impaired, contact local law enforcement.
“We all play a role in keeping our community safe,” Lt. Grillot added. “Drunk and drug-impaired driving is 100% preventable. A smart plan before the party starts can save a life. Remember, Hindsight after a devastating motor vehicle crash is 20/20, make sure your vision and mind are 20/20 when you get behind the wheel.”
The Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition wishes everyone a safe, joyful, and responsible holiday season. Let’s all do our part to make the roadways safe — now and into the new year.
For more information, visit:
- Alcohol impairment: www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
- Drug impairment: www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving
- www.defiancecohealth.org/traffic-safety
Contact
Jessica West
Health Promotion Specialist
Public Information Officer
jessica.west@defiancecohealth.org
