Last December, 885 people who headed out on the roads for the holidays didn’t come home due to a drunken driver.

That’s according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, which tracks drunken driving statistics from around the country.

This holiday season, between Dec. 13-31, state and local law enforcement will be stepping up their presence on the roads to protect the public from those who decide to drink and get behind the wheel.

“Everything we do is for public safety,” said trooper Justin Magluilo of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Each year, NHTSA and police departments nationwide join together for the holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. With the increase of holiday parties and festivities, it’s a dangerous time of year for drunk-driving fatalities.

Members of the Pennsylvania State Police and Jim Thorpe Police joined Carbon County District Attorney Jean Engler in Jim Thorpe on Monday to remind drivers of the importance of finding a designated driver.

Chief Joseph Schatz of Jim Thorpe Police Department said it’s important for police to get the word out because of the increase in holiday parties.

“You’re getting together with family and friends, you’re in good spirits, and people may put it behind them that, ‘Hey, I have been drinking, I shouldn’t be driving,’” Schatz said.

Almost one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in 2017 involved a drunken driver.

In Pennsylvania, 293 people died in alcohol-related crashes, while more than 10,000 died nationwide.

“To put it in perspective, that’s about 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors. That is a sobering statistic, pun intended,” Engler said.

The majority of victims in drunken driving crashes are the drivers themselves or their passengers.

Driving drunk could also affect a driver’s own children. Half of the drunken driving fatalities involving children were caused by a child’s parent.

Drivers who get behind the wheel after using drugs — prescription or otherwise — are also putting the public at risk.

“If you are driving do not take any substances that impair you. Even if something is prescribed by a doctor, it does not mean it is safe to take and then drive,” Engler said.

Engler encouraged anyone who is drinking over the holidays to find a sober friend to drive, or seek out a cab or car service.

“It might be awkward to do, or even cause confrontation — but getting over temporary awkwardness is far better than risking lives.

She also urged drivers to be vigilant in reporting anyone they believe might be driving under the influence. Engler said oftentimes that initial 911 call results in a traffic stop which results in a DUI arrest.

“You could be saving lives during one of our most joyful holiday seasons and keep it the most wonderful time of year,” she said.