This holiday season, Child Care Aware of Virginia encourages you to give the gift of safe driving. The risk of being involved in an alcohol-related incident increases significantly during the holiday season, when social binge drinking is more common. Impaired driving is still the #1 cause of deaths on American roadways, but these deaths are preventable. Remember, if you feel different, you drive different.

We want all children and families to make it home safely this season. Protect your family and children by keeping them out of cars with impaired drivers and make sure they are properly secured in cars with sober drivers. See these tips for safely navigating travel during this season.

If you suspect there's an impaired driver on the road with you, be what M.A.D.D. calls a Concerned Citizen, and click the link below for more tips to protect yourself from impaired drivers.

Be Prepared for Holiday Travel

Whether it's snow, sleet, or ice, winter weather can cause dangerous road conditions. If you are planning to travel this year, preparing yourself - and your vehicle - for winter weather is key.

See these winter driving tips from the NHTSA, and learn what to put in your car's emergency kit.

Car Seat Safety

Winter weather means bigger coats, but did you know that those heavy coats can interfere with the harness fit on a child's car seat? When your child will be secured in a car seat, pick thin, warm layers, and place blankets or coats around your child after the harness is secure.

Check the NHTSA for more guidance on choosing a car seat or booster seat, or click the button below to find free hands-on help from a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician near you.