With more people expected to travel the region’s highways during the holiday season, SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, urges everyone to remember that alcohol is a significant factor in holiday deaths.
Alcohol-related crashes tend to be more serious than others, and increase during the holidays. This is illustrated by some quick facts regarding alcohol-involved crashes in Southeast Michigan during the holiday season for the years 2014-2018:
- In Southeast Michigan, alcohol is involved in nearly 31 percent of traffic fatalities, but only three percent of total crashes.
- There were 19 percent more alcohol-involved crashes per day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day compared to the rest of the year.
- More alcohol-involved crashes occur on New Year’s Day than any other day of the year. There were 52 percent more alcohol-involved crashes on Jan. 1 than the next highest day, July 4.
“The crash data tell us there is much we can do to increase traffic safety,” says Kathleen Lomako, SEMCOG executive director in a press release. “We encourage all holiday travelers to consider the following safety tips this holiday season.”
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- Use designated drivers, transit, and ride-sharing services. Never drink and drive.
- 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.
- Stay focused while driving and avoid all distractions.
- Always wear your seatbelts
