TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) said drunk drivers have caused property damage, injuries to bystanders and even, in some cases, death.

OHP Lieutenant Mark Southall said accidents like this have disastrous consequences, but are some of the easiest to prevent.

“Don’t drink anything at all before you drive, that’s the number one best answer we can give,” said Southall. “You know, they always say, if you feel funny, you’re going to drive funny.”

As family and friends reunite for the Thanksgiving holiday, Arnie’s Bar in downtown Tulsa says it’s usually one of their busiest nights of the year.

Arnie’s Bar Owner Chris Armstrong said there are ways to have fun at the bar and stay safe.

“We’re just making sure we’re stocked up. Make sure you got you Uber and Lyft app on your phone. Everybody be responsible and have a good time, and just be ready to chill out and relax, because we know family and the holidays are hectic,” Armstrong said.

If you go out drinking, always have a designated driver who isn’t drinking alcohol.

These days, bars offer all sorts of non-alcoholic drinks, so Designated Drivers (DDs) don’t feel left out.

Of course, the safest option is catching up at home. Just make sure the same rules apply for any guests who leave.

Southall wants everyone to do their best to keep each other safe this holiday season.

“They always wish that they hadn’t done it. We just hope they make the right decision at the start of that process,” Southall said.

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