Whether you’re celebrating the end of a tough semester, a promotion at work, the birth of a child or an impressive accomplishment, it is often customary in this country to celebrate with a drink.

Unfortunately, celebrating and drinking can be a dangerous combination. Alcohol-impaired driving crashes claimed 11,773 lives in 2008, according to statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Breaking it down even further, someone dies in an alcohol-impaired driving crash every 45 minutes.

Don’t let yourself, a friend or someone in your family become a statistic. Here are five driving tips for practicing car safety on the road for your next celebration.

1. Plan a safe way home before the celebration begins.

2. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation if you’re impaired and are unable to drive.

3. Use the Sober Ride program, which offers free cab rides for those who don’t want to drive impaired. Check to see if your community has one.

4. Contact local law enforcement if you see a drunk driver on the road.

5. Take the keys from someone you know who is about to drive while impaired and help him make other travel arrangements to get to where he is going safely.

Auto insurance companies can check your driving record every three years, or any time you apply for a new policy. If a DUI turns up on your record, and you are classified as a “high-risk” driver, your rates may increase. Safe driving practices are the best way to keep your rates low.