As we look ahead to a new year, the excitement of celebration is palpable. But as your trusted authority on road safety, AAA wants to emphasize that the most critical part of your New Year’s Eve plan must be your journey home.

At AAA, our mission is to ensure the safety of our members and all travelers on the road. We urge every single person planning to celebrate this New Year’s Eve to make a clear, non-negotiable commitment right now: Plan a sober ride home before the party begins.

The choice to drive impaired is a devastating one, and the statistics reveal the severe, preventable toll it takes on our communities.

The Sobering Reality of Impaired Driving

  • In 2023, the United States saw 12,429 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver (BAC of .08 g/dL or higher). This means that, on average, one life was lost to an alcohol-impaired driving fatality every 42 minutes. (Source: NHTSA, 2023 Data)

  • While overall traffic fatalities slightly decreased from 2022 to 2023, the number of people killed in drunk driving crashes has tragically surpassed the 13,000 mark for the second consecutive year, with 13,524 deaths in 2022 and 12,429 deaths in 2023. This is a persistent, unacceptable level of loss. (Source: MADD, NHTSA data)

  • The human tragedy is compounded by the fact that in 2023, 60% of those killed in alcohol-impaired crashes were the impaired drivers themselves, but a heart-breaking 40% were innocent victims—passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and non-occupants. (Source: NHTSA, 2023 Data)

This holiday season, with increased travel and festive gatherings, the risk is exceptionally high. During the month of December alone, from 2019 to 2023, nearly 5,000 lives (4,931) were lost to drunk driving crashes. (Source: NHTSA data)

AAA and MADD: United for Safer Roads

The fight against impaired driving requires a collective, persistent effort. That is why AAA is proud to strengthen its commitment to road safety through a significant, ongoing partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

MADD, the nation’s largest non-profit working to end drunk driving, is a powerful force for change, supporting victims and advocating for stricter laws and technology. By joining forces, AAA and MADD are pooling resources and expertise to amplify the message of prevention and drive meaningful change.

Our joint efforts extend beyond the holiday season, marking the beginning of a larger, long-term initiative to reduce impaired driving deaths by 20% in the next five years. This unified front allows us to better educate the public, support technological advancements like the Halting Impaired Driving Law (HALT Act) that mandates impaired driving prevention technology in new vehicles, and tirelessly promote sober driving alternatives.

As the CEO of MADD, Stacey D. Stewart, has stated, “Ending impaired driving requires a collective movement, with each of us playing a part.” AAA is committed to leading that movement, because every life saved is a step toward a future of No More Victims.

Your Sober Ride Plan: Safe Tips for a Joyful New Year’s Eve

A moment of planning can prevent a lifetime of regret. Here is AAA’s essential checklist for securing your safe ride home before you head out to celebrate:

1. Commit to the Designated Driver (DD)

  • Designate Early: Before taking your first sip of alcohol, clearly establish who in your group will be the non-drinking driver.

  • Support Your DD: Offer to buy them non-alcoholic beverages, treat them to dinner, or pitch in for gas as a thank you. They are the true VIP of the night.

  • Hand Over the Keys: If you plan to drink, leave your car keys at home, or give them to your designated driver for safekeeping.

2. Utilize Ride-Sharing and Taxis

  • Download and Setup Now: Download ride-sharing apps (like Uber or Lyft) and set up your payment method today. You don’t want to fumble with this when you’re ready to leave.

  • Save Backup Numbers: On a high-demand night like New Year’s Eve, surge pricing can be high and wait times long. Save the phone numbers of a few local taxi or shuttle services as a reliable backup.

  • Confirm Your Ride: Always verify the driver’s name, license plate, and car model before you get in.

3. Know Your Alternatives

  • Public Transit: Check your local public transportation schedules (bus, train, subway) in advance for holiday hours and routes. This is often the most economical choice. In some cities, fares are waved New Year’s Eve to ensure everyone has a safe ride home.

  • Stay the Night: If you are celebrating at a host’s home, ask about the possibility of staying over. This is the safest, most convenient option, and you can simply retrieve your vehicle the next day.

4. Be a Responsible Host and Friend

    • Offer Alternatives: Always have plenty of attractive, non-alcoholic beverage options and food available for your guests.

    • Stop Serving Early: Stop serving alcoholic drinks a reasonable time before the party is scheduled to end.

The new year represents a fresh start and a future full of possibility. Let’s enter it with a commitment to responsibility. Planning a sober ride home is a simple decision that has immeasurable power. On behalf of everyone at AAA, we wish you a happy, healthy, and, most importantly, safe New Year.