New Years' Eve is a party holiday. As Americans prepare for festivities with family and friends, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) some tips to remind your customers that it's dangerous to drive after drinking.
Drunk driving is a terrible killer on our nation's roads. In 2013, 10,076 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes. This time of year is especially dangerous because of holiday celebrations and frequent parties. In December 2013 alone, there were 733 people killed in crashes involving at least one drunk driver or motorcycle operator. That same year, 31% of all crash fatalities in America involved drunk driving.
According to the organization, it is important for drivers to choose their role before drinking begins: Will you drink or will you drive? NHTSA recommends that if someone chooses to drive, they should not drink at all. For some people, it doesn't take much to reach dangerous levels of intoxication. That's why NHTSA started its “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” campaign: to inform Americans about the dangers of driving after drinking — even after drinking just a little.
NHTSA urges revelers to plan ahead this New Years' Eve: Designate a sober driver. If someone in your party plans on drinking at all, make sure they don't plan on driving.
Here are some tips for drivers to avoid a DUI and keep roads safe this holiday.
Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk or having a crash.
If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.
When you know you'll be drinking, leave your keys at home or give them to someone else.
If you have been drinking, do not drive — even a short distance. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation or use a transportation network service such as Uber or Lyft. You can also try NHTSA's SaferRide mobile app, which allows users to call a taxi or a friend by identifying their location so they can be picked up.
Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.
Related: Drug-impaired driving on the increase while drunk driving declines in the U.S.
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