Recent studies have confirmed that New Year's Day is the most deadly day to commute on U.S. roads according to a report by AutoBlog. Experts had previously believed that St. Patrick's Day was the deadliest day to commute, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proves otherwise.
The NHTSA reported recently that 9,878 people died in drunken driving related accidents in 2011, and while this is a 2.5 percent decrease compared to the 10,136 people who died the previous year, drunk driving is still a serious issue that could be avoided.
The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended ignition interlocks for all those who have been convicted of at least one DUI in the past to help prevent drunk drivers from spoiling the holiday. This would mean that a first time offender wouldn't be able to start his or her car if they can't pass the breathalyzer test attached to the vehicle's ignition.
Click here to see the complete press release by the NTSB on their website.
"Technology is the game changer in reducing alcohol-related crashes on our nation's roadways," aid NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said in the press release. "Achieving zero alcohol-impaired driving-related deaths is possible only if society is willing to separate the impaired driver from the driving task."
Over 17 states have already required ignition interlock devices for those who have been convicted of a DUI according to a report by ABC, and now the NTSB is trying to get more states involved to help cut down on drunken driving accidents and deaths.
Tips To Remember
AAA has even made a list to help commuters during the holiday season to make sure they arrive to their destination and back safely. Some of the aspects drivers should consider on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day includes planning ahead no matter where you go if alcohol is going to be involved. If you're going with friends, at least one person should be the designated driver. If everyone in your group has been drinking, none of you should get behind the wheel of a car no matter if you think you can make it home safely or not. Call a taxi or figure out a mass transit solution a head of time.
Click here to learn about the Tipsy Towing service AAA will be providing in select locations.
It may be tough, but if you see a friend getting ready to leave and you know he or she has been drinking, do your best to either recommend an alternative solution for the person to get home, or if you haven't been drinking, offer to drive the person home yourself. If you're the one throwing a party, provide non-alcoholic drinks to make it easier for designated drivers to not be tempted.
If you're driving in front of a drunk driver or behind one, keep a safe distance away from the vehicle, pull over if an opportunity presents itself to call the police, or ask a passenger to do so. You should always avoid texting and talking on the phone without a Bluetooth device while driving, but especially during the holidays. You may think you're in the clear to send a quick text to a friend or loved one, but you never know what other drivers have been up to on both sides of the road.
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