AAA Ranks New Year’s as Deadliest Day for Drivers

cocktail and jail As the New Year approaches, AAA Mid-Atlantic is reminding drivers that Jan. 1 is the deadliest day of the year for alcohol related accidents. The auto agency has warned drivers and passengers alike to remain aware of the dangers of being on the road and to take precautions if you plan on drinking.

While the New Year is meant to be a celebratory occasion, impaired driving is often a danger that causes many fatalities during the holiday.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 10,265 fatalities stemming from alcohol related traffic accidents in 2015, averaging one death for every 51 minutes.

During the New Year’s holiday period in 2015, designated by the NHTSA as lasting from Dec. 31 to Jan. 5, there were 31 fatalities each day in the U.S. related to drunk driving, totaling 139 deaths within the five-day period.

Pennsylvania State police also responded to 404 crashes – 52 of which were alcohol related – and arrested 309 drivers for DUI charges between Dec. 31, 2015 and Jan. 2, 2016. Two people were killed.

To prepare for a safe night while celebrating the New Year, AAA Mid-Atlantic is cautioning Pennsylvania drivers to practice safe driving methods, including:

Always plan ahead to designate a sober, non-drinking driver before reaching your destination or celebration.
Never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have been drinking alcohol.
Never ride as passenger in a car with a driver who is impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Take action if you notice a friend or family member is impaired. Be responsible and take their keys if they attempt to drive.
Use public transportation, take a taxi or use a ride service, such as Uber.
If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and call 911.

The staff at Schmidt Kramer encourages all those who choose to celebrate the New Year’s with alcohol to be responsible and take an alternative form of transportation to reach their destination.

If you have been injured or lost someone you love to a drunk driver, contact our Harrisburg car accident attorneys to file a claim.Your first consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not get paid unless you do.

Call (717) 888-8888 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to schedule a consultation.

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New Year’s is the Deadliest Day for Drivers