ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights on the roads according to AAA. Data from the Department of Motor Vehicles says that there were 105 crashes involving alcohol last year, leaving 68 people injured, and 3 dead.
“New Year’s Eve is a holiday that circles and is celebrated with alcohol. So we know that that brings about risks out there and the potential for crashes with impaired drivers on the highway. We see much higher prevalence of impaired driving crashes on that night solely because of the parties surrounding the transition into the new year,” said Morgan Dean, AAA Mid-Atlantic Spokesperson.
Both the Virginia State Police (VSP) and AAA say the best way to have a fun and safe New Year is to have a plan.
“Make sure you have a designated driver. You know, if something changes or comes up, call a friend or a family member who hasn’t been drinking, call a cab, or take public transportation,” said Robin Lawson, Public Relations Director for VSP.
If you’re in Lynchburg, and find yourself choosing between driving drunk or staying safe, you can reach out to Bee Line Towing:
“If we can get someone home if their barrier is not wanting to leave their car in an unfamiliar space, we offer a free towing from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. It’s a ride for the driver and taking your car home so you’re not going to leave your car there. If we can prevent any kind of drunk driving accidents, we’ve saved a life that night,” Leah Jones, Marketing Director at Bee Line Towing.
VSP says it will have more patrols on this holiday to ensure the roads stay safe.