Deadliest Driving Day of the Year

As we’re wrapping up our holiday celebrations, we wanted to call your attention to the deadliest day of the year for driving.  It’s New Year’s Day.  Hum.  Let’s think about that for a moment.  New Year’s Day begins at 12:00AM right after an evening of celebrating the New Year.  Ah, that makes sense.  Those people who have been drinking through their countdown to the new year are now leaving the party to go home.  And so many of those same people are impaired by the alcohol they consumed.   

Driving After Drinking

Driving after drinking is deadly. Yet it still continues to happen across the United States. If you drive while impaired, you could get arrested, or worse — be involved in a traffic crash that causes serious injury or death. 

Here are some statistics to keep in mind as you hit the road this New Year's Eve:

• Across the country, 36 people, on average, were killed every day in crashes involving alcohol between 2001 and 2005. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , on New Year’s Day alone, that number went up an average of 54.
• DUI arrests peak between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
• Between Christmas and New Year’s, 40 percent of deadly crashes involve drunk drivers, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
• AAA said more pedestrians are killed on New Year’s Day than any other day of the year.

In every state, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, yet one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 50 minutes in the United States in 2018.

Men are more likely than women to be driving drunk in fatal crashes. In 2018, 21% of men were drunk in these crashes, compared to 14% for women.

If you have been drinking, don’t drive

Here are some great tips for a safe New Year’s celebration:

• Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home. 
• If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend. 
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.
• If you don't have one, call a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber or call a taxi.

According to AAA , the odds of getting in a car accident on New Year’s Eve skyrockets because there are more drunk drivers on the road. During the holidays, more drivers are alcohol impaired because so many people are going to holiday parties.

Dean and Draper

We are wishing you a safe and happy New Year.  When you want to talk about your insurance needs, we’re here to help.

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

©2019 Dean & Draper Insurance Agency All Rights Reserved.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, AAA