By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding motorists who are celebrating during the holiday season to celebrate responsibly and not drink and drive.

In 2014, fifty percent of the fatal vehicle accidents were alcohol-related from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day. Eighty-six percent of all drivers arrested for DUI were first-time offenders and 93 percent of those arrested for DUI lost their driving privileges. An average of one alcohol-related fatality occurs every 53 minutes.

White suggests people celebrating at events involving alcohol use public transportation, a cab or designate a sober driver.