While most people know that an estimated 3,000 people perished in the attacks of September 11, 2001, many people do not know that more than four times that number of Americans die on the roads due to drunk driving crashes, every year since 1991.
A shocking average of 12,772 traffic fatalities annually are related to alcohol. To stay safe, it helps to know some of the statistics and exercise extra caution on the roads during times of increased risk of drivers who have been drinking and driving. Holidays that have the highest averages of alcohol-related driving deaths include New Year’s weekend, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July weekend.
Defensive Driving and Safe Operation
For the majority of drivers who follow the rules and never drive after drinking, one of the best ways to stay safe is to avoid the roads during the times that have a statistical increase in people celebrating and making poor decisions.
- Wear seatbelts at all times, and only drive when well rested and healthy.
- Follow all the rules of the road including speed limits.
- Check the weather for potentially adverse conditions such as heavy rain or snow, and be aware of other drivers around you at all times.
While cars represent one of the major risks in society, there is no reason that they cannot be operated safely and securely with some common sense and careful behavior.
