Drunk Driving Fatalities Spike On New Year’s Eve According To ALEA
It is New Year’s Eve, a time for celebrating, having a few drinks, but the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Troopers warn, December 31st always sees major spikes in drunken driving fatalities and arrests across the state. It is one of the most dangerous nights of the year on Alabama roadways.
New Year's Eve in Alabama also sees increased DUI enforcement, with ALEA and Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) reminding partyers to "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. " The motto is a response to holiday revelry leading to more impaired driving. For that reason, expect stricter patrols and harsh penalties like fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record for DUI offenses
ALEA Trooper Sgt. Reginal King advises revellers to have a designated driver or use a rideshare if you plan to drink tonight. “As we enter New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, we want everyone to keep safety at the forefront during this extended holiday travel period,” Sgt. King added. ‘We’re going to be utilizing all available resources to create that officer presence with hopes that that presence alone will deter individuals from participating in any types of illegal activity or careless driving on the roadways. Impaired driving is a dangerous, irresponsible and selfish act that affects everyone to include drivers, passengers and motorists."
Hosts of New Years Eve parties can reduce the risk of their guests getting into a DUI accident or worse by offering non-alcoholic options, providing a place to stay, or arranging transportation for guests who have had too much to drink. Remember, hosts can be held responsible too.
ALEA troopers say impaired driving is not just a poor decision but a dangerous choice that puts everyone on the road at risk.
“If a person makes a decision to drive impaired, it not only affects those who do it but also friends, loved ones and others on the road,” cautioned Sgt. King. “This time of the year is about making memories with loved ones, not responding to tragedies.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person is killed on average about every 42 minutes in a drunk driving crash, totalling more than 12,000 lives lost each year. In 2024, there were 187 fatalities in Alabama involving suspected alcohol or drug impairment.
ALEA urges anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver to call 911.
As the countdown to the new year begins tonight, Tuscaloosa Thread reminds all West Alabamians, the best way to end the old year and begin the new one is safely.
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