The Wyoming Highway Patrol is urging motorists to get to their destinations safely this holiday season by never driving drunk. 

The patrol will continue its efforts to remove drunk drivers from the roads. So far this year, Wyoming has experienced 66 alcohol/drug-related fatalities, the patrol said this week.

“Impaired driving has a devastating impact on the quality of life for those in all communities,” said Wyoming Highway Patrol Captain David Wagener.  

In 2019, there were 10,142 people killed nationwide in impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of the yearly driving fatalities, he said.

“The tragedy of these deaths is felt year-round, but for many, most strongly during the holidays,” Wagener said. “The most tragic part of these deaths is that they were 100% preventable. Please do your part this holiday season to keep yourself and others protected by celebrating responsibly and planning ahead to get home unharmed as we want everyone to ring in the New Year safely.”

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated almost 29 people each day die in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes.  

In Wyoming, a driver is considered impaired with a .08 percent or above blood-alcohol content. A driver deciding to drive impaired is not only risking their lives but the lives of everyone around them. The consequences for driving impaired include fines, legal fees, driver license revocation and even jail time. 

Besides driving sober or having a designated driver, motorists should always wear their seat belts to protect themselves against impaired drivers. It’s also important to ensure all guests at parties leave with a sober driver.

Driving sober is not only important during the holidays, but throughout the year, the patrol said. Motorists can also stay safe and get the latest road and travel conditions by downloading WYDOT’s 511 app for their smartphones at wyoroad.info.