As we prepare to ring in 2025, now is the time to put together a game plan to get home safely from New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Drunk driving poses a heightened risk during the holiday season, with New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day ranking among the deadliest days on U.S. roads.
In 2023 in Alabama, there were 196 people who died in 4,908 crashes with suspected alcohol or drug impairment. Tragically, nine of those fatalities happened during the 78 hours counted as the New Year’s holiday period of Dec. 30 – Jan. 2.
“Being on the road around the New Year’s holiday is more dangerous because people often drink alcohol while celebrating and then think they are still o.k. to drive,” said Allison Green, Drive Safe Alabama coordinator with the Alabama Department of Transportation. “If you feel just a little buzzed or different after having only a few drinks, then you will drive differently, or impaired. So, always plan and designate a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare service.”
Twenty percent of the 2023 fatalities on Alabama roads involved alcohol-impaired drivers. So, driving sober is a choice that can significantly reduce the number of roadway deaths in the state.
Drivers along Alabama interstates will see the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” reminder on ALDOT message boards.
“We don’t want to be your mom, but consider the consequences of a DUI,” Green said. “Revoking your driving privileges is just the start. Jail time, thousands of dollars in fines and fees and the increased likelihood of killing someone should be enough to keep a driver sober.”
Drive Safe Alabama has these tips to sum up how to stay safe on the road this New Year’s:
- Never drink and drive.
- Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking.
- If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure everyone has a sober ride home.
- Call 911 if you see a drunk driver.
- Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
