Over 30 percent of all 2016 traffic deaths in Michigan were alcohol-involved

Dearborn, Michigan (December 29, 2017) — As New Year’s Eve nears and Michiganders finalize party plans, AAA Michigan is issuing a statewide ”Ring in the New Year” Road Reminder urging motorists to take extra precautions NOW to help make their celebrations safe. New Year’s Eve can be one of the most deadly nights of the year.

According to 2016 statistics, over 36 percent of all the traffic deaths during the New Year’s Eve time period (6pm Dec 30, 2016-11:59pm Jan 2, 2017) in Michigan were alcohol -involved.

AAA Michigan offers these Seven Steps to Safer Celebrations:

1. Always drive safe and sober. Click HERE to take an online pledge to drive alcohol and drug-free on New Year’s Eve and throughout the coming year.

2. Designate an alcohol and drug-free driver before the party starts.

3. Call a cab or plan to stay the night if you have had too much to drink.

4. Never ride in a car with someone who is intoxicated.

5. Report impaired drivers to local law enforcement immediately.

6. None for the road. One drink can be one too many. Learn more about the effects of alcohol and other drugs on driving and AAA’s efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug-involved traffic crash injuries and deaths.

7. Be a responsible host.
• Provide a variety of alcohol-free beverages. Click HERE to download a copy of the Great Pretenders party guide with tips on safe celebrations along with delicious appetizer and alcohol-free drink recipes. Free copies of the guide are also available at all AAA branches along with AAA general and entrepreneurial agent offices across Michigan.
• Serve protein-rich, starchy foods.
• Slow down the drinking rate by providing activities, party games, lively talk and good food.
• Refrain from making alcohol the main focus of your party.
• Make sure your guests don’t feel pressured to drink alcohol.
• Never serve alcohol to underage guests.
• Refrain from having guests mix their own drinks.
• Choose a reliable “bartender” to help keep track of size and number of drinks guests consume. • Remove alcoholic drinks toward the end of the party and surprise your guests with a coffee, tea and dessert buffet.
• Watch for over-indulgers and make sure they have a safe ride home or stay the night.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to helping reduce and eliminate alcohol and other drug-related traffic deaths on Michigan roads and highways, said Susan Hiltz, Michigan public affairs director for AAA –the Auto Club Group. AAA urges motorists to ring in 2018 on a safe note by taking the online pledge to drive alcohol and drug-free. We can all do our part to insure a safe ride home for everyone on New Year’s Eve.”