The statistics are startling. The period between Christmas and New Year’s is one of the deadliest times of year for drinking and driving. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety over half of the fatal crashes on January 1 involve drunk drivers. From 2011 to 2015, there were a recorded 567 deaths recorded by the Highway Loss Data Institutes, 352 of those involved at least 1 driver, pedestrian or bicyclist with a blood alcohol level of .08% or greater. Thus, the percentage of crash deaths related to alcohol impairment was at a record 62%.
Avoid Becoming a Statistic
While the statistics are devastating, you do not have to become one of them. Before attending any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day festivities, plan ahead. Designate a sober driver and do not overindulge in alcohol. Even if you are not driving, too much alcohol can lead to dangerous behavior. Choosing to drink responsibly is one of the most important choices you can make as we enter into the New Year.
Don’t be in a rush to leave the next morning. You may have made the right choice and not gotten behind the wheel New Year’s Eve after drinking but leaving too soon the next morning to get home or go somewhere can still lead to trouble. Alcohol does not simply disappear from your system because you stopped drinking. Many people may still find themselves over the legal limit hours after drinking. Plan to sleep in, eat a full meal and take your time before even thinking about getting behind the wheel.
If you are hosting a New Year’s Eve event, provide plenty of alcohol alternatives. Make sure there is water and coffee. Provide food, not just snacks and be willing to have guests who may have overindulged stay the night or provide information for ride-sharing services.
Finally, if you plan on going out, choose a designated driver, use Uber, lyft or another ride sharing service or take advantage of services such as NHTSA’s SaferRide or AAA Tipsy Tow.