The holiday season now surrounds us at every turn. Christmas trees glow in offices and homes, carols echo in malls and building lobbies, and parties fill calendars well into late evenings. Traffic slows to a crawl as shoppers crowd commercial centers and families travel to reunite. In the rush to celebrate, days grow longer, nights shorter, and rest becomes a luxury many willingly sacrifice.

But tired bodies, heavier traffic, social obligations, and alcohol are a dangerous mix. Every holiday season, the same reminders surface—do not drink and drive; do not text and scroll through social media. They appear on billboards, social media feeds, television screens, and radio advisories.

Yet year after year, road accidents linked to drunk and distracted driving continue to claim lives and shatter families. Even minor crashes—scratched doors, broken headlights, bent bumpers—can drain precious time, money, and energy during what should be a joyful season.

Fatigue alone already impairs judgment and reflexes. Add alcohol, and the risks multiply. According to last year’s reports, holiday-related road accidents had increased, with hundreds of incidents recorded and lives lost—many involving alcohol consumption and – though this is not admitted by the offender – also distracted driving. These are not just statistics; they represent empty seats at family tables and celebrations that turned into mourning.

Distracted driving is another persistent threat on our roads. The use of mobile phones—whether to check navigation apps, read messages, or scroll through social media—has become an alarming habit. One only needs to observe vehicles moving unusually slowly or weaving within lanes to see the cause. More often than not, the driver’s attention is on a phone, not the road. This behavior endangers not only the driver but everyone around them.

The law is clear. Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, considers drunk driving a grave offense. Violators face heavy fines, license suspension, and possible imprisonment, especially if injury or death results. During the holidays, enforcement intensifies, with random breathalyzer tests conducted near entertainment districts and major thoroughfares. These measures are meant to deter dangerous behavior, but enforcement alone cannot ensure safety without public cooperation.

Equally important is Republic Act No. 10913, the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, which prohibits the use of mobile communication devices while driving—even when stopped at traffic lights or intersections. Despite awareness campaigns and penalties, this law remains widely ignored, contributing to countless avoidable accidents.

Keeping roads safe during the holidays requires conscious, collective effort. Party hosts can help by reminding guests to designate a sober driver. Friends can intervene when someone insists on driving after drinking. Motorists can plan ahead—checking their vehicles, ensuring adequate rest, and choosing ride-hailing services when necessary. These small decisions can prevent irreversible consequences.

Ultimately, drunk and distracted driving are not merely traffic violations; they are threats to public safety. Choosing to drive under the influence places innocent lives at risk—passengers, pedestrians, fellow motorists, and families waiting at home.

The holiday season is meant for celebration, reunion, and gratitude. Let it not be remembered for tragedy born of preventable choices. As gatherings continue and the year draws to a close, let responsibility guide every journey.

Celebrate wisely. Arrive safely. Do not drink and drive. Do not text, read or scroll messages on social media while driving.