Oklahoma Highway Patrol urges safe travel for Thanksgiving holiday

“While you're making those important holiday plans, take a little time to make smart choices about your travel, too,” Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Garrett Vowell said in a news release.

In 2011, six people died in four crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period — from 6 p.m. Wednesday to midnight Sunday. One of the accidents was alcohol-related.

Vowell said anyone who attends a gathering where alcohol is served should designate a nondrinking driver. “If you've been drinking, don't get behind the wheel, period,” he said.

He also urges drivers to be aware of the side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

“Many people don't realize that medicines can cause impairments too,” he said. “Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects, and don't drive if you're taking a medication that can cause sleepiness, dizziness or impaired reaction time.”