December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month. As the holiday season brings celebrations and winter weather hazards, AAA Western and Central New York is urging drivers to plan ahead for safe transportation and avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired. With more than 50 years of public education and advocacy focused on traffic safety, AAA continues its commitment to keeping roadways safe during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

AAA is joining forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) and Waymo to raise awareness and encourage safe ride choices during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to eliminating impaired driving and saving lives.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving claimed 4,931 lives during the month of December from 2019 to 2023. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. In 2023, more than 13,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes across the U.S. for the second year in a row. This means that roughly every 85 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash.

Drug-impaired driving is also a major concern for traffic safety. AAA research shows that marijuana can impair drivers in a variety of ways, and marijuana use is becoming more commonplace with the legalization of recreational marijuana in more than half the states in the U.S., including New York. While marijuana usage may be legalized, it remains illegal to use the drug and drive a vehicle.

People who use both alcohol and marijuana are some of the most dangerous drivers on the road – they are significantly more likely to speed, text, intentionally run red lights, and drive aggressively than those who don't, according to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

“Alcohol, marijuana, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications all lead to impairment and create dangerous, life-threatening situations on our roadways when users get behind the wheel,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations at AAA WCNY. “AAA’s message to drivers: you cannot drive safely while you are impaired. Please plan ahead this holiday season to avoid tragedies and celebrate safely.”

AAA’s Tips for Impaired-Driving-Free Holidays

For drivers:
•    Choose a designated driver before you go out. 
•    Use a ridesharing service or a local taxi service. 
•    Stay with a friend or book a nearby hotel room if you plan to use alcohol or drugs.

For hosts:
•    Offer non-alcoholic drink options and never serve minors.
•    Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends.
•    Remind guests to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. 
•    Don’t be afraid to take car keys away from guests who are too impaired to drive. 
•    Help arrange alternate transportation or accommodations for guests who need it.

For everyone:
•    Always wear your seatbelt. 
•    If you spot a motorist who appears to be an impaired driver, keep a safe distance, call 9-1-1 if it is safe to do so.