In September, Idaho made less-than-flattering national news as the state with the "rudest drivers." So said 2,000 drivers surveyed by Insure.com: Idahoans allegedly fail to stop for bag-laden pedestrians and offer the finger more than do drivers in other states.

Like other state residents interviewed by the Idaho State Journal, and one who has lived in several other states, I beg to differ. I found California drivers far worse (just forget changing lanes), with Denver a close second (2 inches is enough between freeway vehicles, right?).

Rude or not, 'tis the season to be extra careful. Roads are icing and shoppers abounding. Reality looks different from Christmas movies. Loved ones no longer with us and not-so-happy families. Too little in the bank to fill Santa's list. Everywhere, crowds. For most, the holidays mean stress of one kind or another.

Perhaps that is why December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month.

Idaho has some redemption. According to the Centers for Disease Control, FBI, and MADD, of the 30 million people who drive thus impaired each year, Idaho doesn't rank in the top 10 for related deaths. Also, those deaths dropped by a third in the 2002-2012 period. However, while not so high, the number of Idaho's alcohol related deaths represents nearly a third of the state's traffic-related deaths. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. An estimated 21 percent of Idaho youth aged 12 to 20 drink. A third of U.S. eighth-graders have tried alcohol, and 1 in 6 teens binge drink (yet only 1 in 100 of their parents believe they do).

It's better to focus on prevention than spout statistics. Drinking (or drugging) and driving is a habit; between a third and half of DUIs are repeat offenders, and the average DUI represents 80 times driving drunk before being caught. If we're honest with ourselves, far more of us drink "a little" and drive than the estimated 2 percent who are caught, according to law enforcement estimates.

It doesn't take much to affect driving, despite those doubtful words, "I'm fine." And kids are far more influenced by watching parents than parents realize. A few facts to remember:

* Even "a couple" drinks can impair driving.

* The effects of alcohol are stronger without consuming (a) water, and (b) food.

* The average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of one drink per hour.

* A standard drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (same amount of alcohol).

* "It's just beer" doesn't fly; impairment is determined by the amount of alcohol drunk over time, not the type.

* Only time creates sobriety. Coffee, exercise or a cold shower may affect feeling, but not impairment.

* One more statistic: Two of every three Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash. 'Tis the season to remember, when that drink is in hand, that they're all preventable.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.