AAA Warns New Year's Day Is Worst for Drunken-Driving Deaths

Planning to head out for New Year’s Eve? Make sure you get home safe. New Year’s Day is the worst day for alcohol-related traffic fatalities, AAA warned today. The group threw its support behind the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendation earlier this month that all 50 states require DUI offenders to have Breathalyzer ignition interlocks installed after the first offense. Currently, 17 states have such a mandate, and a study by AAA found nearly 80% of Americans support all states including it.

For partygoers on the 31st, AAA recommends the following:

• Before the party kicks off, designate someone who won’t drink any alcohol to drive you home.
• Never get behind the wheel after any alcohol — even one drink. Never ride with someone who’s had anything to drink.
• Don’t hesitate to take the keys from friends or family who appear impaired.
• Call a taxi or a friend if you need a ride.
• If you host a party, remind guests to make safe choices and always offer non-alcoholic beverages.
• If you see a drunken driver on the road, stay a safe distance and ask your passengers to call 911, or pull over to a safe location to make the call.
• Remember that illegal drugs and certain medications can impair your ability to drive safely.

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