Driving impaired endangers everyone on the roadway
Charlotte, N.C. (February 5, 2021) – Whether you watch “The Big Game” at home, or at a watch party somewhere else, AAA urges drivers to have a game plan for getting home safely.
“Regardless of who wins the game, driving impaired makes you a big loser,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “The penalty for driving under the influence could be someone’s life. So if you plan to party this weekend, make your plans now for a sober ride home, so you don’t have to make the wrong decision later.”
According to NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2019 there were 323 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in North Carolina and 285 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in South Carolina. Another sobering fact is that the Carolinas also falls into top 10 worst states for drunk driving – with North Carolina ranking 6, followed by South Carolina at number 10.
AAA’s 4-Down Game Plan for Driving Safe This Weekend
- Identify a sober ride home before the festivities kick off
- Wear your seatbelt every time you’re in a vehicle
- Minimize distractions while behind the wheel – focus on the road, not your phone
- Allow extra time to arrive at your destination – mistakes happen when you’re in a rush
Motorists are also advised to keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink. They may suddenly stumble into the road, jaywalk or disobey traffic signals. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as diminished coordination and limited attention puts drunk pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. Pedestrians are urged to keep an eye out for cars, cross at intersections and obey the walk signals.
“When it comes to preventing drinking and driving, we all need to be on the same team,” added Wright.
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.