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SEMCOG urges safe and sober holiday travel

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Sue Stetler for the information in this story.)

With more people expected to travel the region’s highways during the holiday season, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, (SEMCOG) urges everyone to remember that alcohol is a significant factor in holiday deaths. Impaired driving kills someone in the U.S. every 51 minutes.

“The dangers of impaired driving have been known for some time, but it is a constant struggle to heighten awareness of this issue and change behavior during the holiday season and throughout the year,” says Kathleen Lomako, SEMCOG executive director, in a press relsease.

Alcohol-related crashes tend to be more serious than others. In Southeast Michigan, alcohol is involved in only three percent of total crashes, but they account for 27 percent of traffic crash fatalities. Alcohol-related crashes increase during the holiday season.

On average, 14 percent more alcohol-related crashes occur per day in the region between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Tips for staying safe this holiday season include:

  •     Don’t drink and drive.
  •     Use designated drivers, transit, and ride-sharing services.
  •     Be aware of potential drunk drivers; most fatalities occur at night, especially weekend nights.
  •     Celebrate the holidays, just be responsible when it is time to drive home.
  •     Always wear your seat belts.
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