New Year’s Leads to Increased Risk in Drunk Driving Fatalities
December 30, 2015New Year’s Eve parties are exciting. On December 31, many people will come together to reflect on 2015 and make toasts and resolutions to a new year in 2016. However, enjoyments can often get out of hand and people can put themselves and others in danger – turning what should be a night to celebrate new beginnings to a night of recklessness.
According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) data, there were 234 drunk driving fatalities in Louisiana in 2014, representing 33.3% of all total traffic deaths. During the New Year and New Year’s Eve period, an even higher percentage of traffic deaths – 42% – were due to drunk driving.
Here are a few easy tips to make sure you and your loved ones get home safely:
- If you plan on drinking, have a friend who’s a designated driver and leave your keys at home.
- Before heading out, save a local transporation service’s number in your phone or download a rideshare app.
- Watch out for your friends and make sure they don’t get behind the wheel after drinking.
If hosting a party, make sure to do your part to keep guests safe:
- As friends arrive, check to make sure they have a designated driver.
- Always offer food and water to guests.
- Consider preparing fresh linens to turn your couch into a bed for guests who need to sleep it off.
Don’t ruin 2016 for yourself or others by getting behind the wheel after drinking. Dudley DeBosier encourages everyone to celebrate New Year’s in a fun, safe and responsible manner.