As people prepare to celebrate the New Year, AAA is urging drivers and passengers to be aware of the risks on the road during this holiday period, which consistently ranks as one of the deadliest for alcohol-related traffic fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13,524 people lost their lives in drunk driving crashes in 2022. Between 2018 and 2022, 4,759 lives were lost in alcohol-impaired driving crashes during the month of December alone. In December 2022, 1,062 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

“With many individuals celebrating the New Year and then getting behind the wheel after consuming drugs and/or alcohol, January 1 is especially dangerous on the roads. Every fatality is a tragedy that could have been avoided,” said Dan Goodman, manager of public affairs for AAA Northern New England.

In its annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that while 95% of drivers consider drinking and driving very or extremely dangerous, and 67% believe impaired drivers are likely to be caught by police, 7% of respondents admitted to driving under the influence in the past month. AAA also highlights that drug-impaired driving is on the rise, especially with the increasing legalization of recreational marijuana. The same survey revealed that only 70% of drivers view driving within an hour of marijuana use as very or extremely dangerous. Changing these behaviors is crucial to saving lives.

Responsible Behavior 

To help reduce alcohol-related traffic fatalities and promote safety, AAA Northern New England is offering the following tips for New Year’s Eve revelers:

--Plan ahead by designating a non-drinking or drug-free driver before the celebration starts.

--Never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.

--Never ride with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.

--Don’t hesitate to take the keys from impaired friends or family members.

--Save rideshare apps or local taxi numbers in your phone before heading out.

--Be a responsible host by encouraging guests to stay safe and providing alcohol-free drink options.

--If you encounter an impaired driver, maintain a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to do so yourself).

--Remember that prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances can also impair your driving ability.

By taking these precautions, we can all contribute to a safer, more responsible holiday season.