CINCINNATI, OH – (December 30, 2017) -- While ringing in the new year with a champagne toast may be a tradition for some, drivers should treat it like any other day and have a designated driver and a plan to get home safely. With the holiday falling on the weekend, people may be tempted to indulge more, but safety should never take a holiday.

New data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) shows:

• There have been 268 alcohol-related traffic deaths on Ohio roads in 2017.
• In 2016 there were 12,243 alcohol-related crashes, causing 5,076 injuries and 346 deaths on Ohio roads.
• During the four-day NYE holiday in 2016, there were 2,214 crashes, resulting in 763 injuries and 11 deaths in Ohio. Nearly half (5) of the deaths were alcohol-related.

As a longtime not-for-profit advocate for the safety of motorists, AAA has identified impaired driving as one of their top safety concerns. 

“Party-goers celebrating with alcohol, drugs, or even drivers using prescription medications need to be informed of the dangers of driving while impaired,” says Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “New Year’s Eve weekend provides another opportunity to call attention to these year-round important safety practices.”

To strengthen efforts to protect the public against impaired drivers and reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic deaths, AAA offers these safety tips for NYE revelers:

• Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.
• Never get behind the wheel of a car when you have been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.
• Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.
• Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired.
• Use public transportation, Uber, Lyft, or call a taxi. Put numbers for local cab/ridesharing companies in your phone before heading out for the evening.
• Be a responsible host in reminding guests to stay safe and always offer alcohol-free beverages.
• If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).
• Walking impaired can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.  
• Remember: prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.