Everyone has a role in keeping our roads safe on New Year’s Eve, from party hosts to designated drivers to holiday travelers.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Dec. 30, 2025 – Like other festive seasons, the year-end holidays are a time of year when many impaired driving fatalities occur. With seasonal hustle and bustle, holiday celebrations – especially New Year’s Eve, and a record number of car travelers during the holidays, AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety.
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, which serves as a timely reminder to make safe choices and stay vigilant. AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) encourage holiday travelers and revelers to plan safe rides home this holiday season during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road.
In the combined Decembers of 2019-2023, 4,931 road users were killed in traffic crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. In December 2023 alone, there were 1,038 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, 697 of which involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 g/dL or higher — nearly twice the legal limit in almost every state.
“Not only is driving impaired illegal, it is also dangerous and never acceptable,” said Shawn Steward, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Oklahoma. “AAA reminds everyone to take responsibility and follow the law to keep themselves and other road users safe throughout the holiday season. Drunk driving injuries and fatalities can be prevented when everyone keeps road safety in mind as they prepare for holiday celebrations.”
More Sobering Statistics
According to MADD, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 85 seconds. And National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics from 2023 (the latest data available) show:
-
Nighttime driving in December 2023 was significantly more dangerous than daytime driving, with 30% of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. being drunk. Almost half (47%) of drivers involved in fatal crashes between the hours of midnight and 2:59 a.m. were drunk.
-
In December 2023, drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a higher rate (22%) compared to female drivers (18%).
-
Young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (27%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in December 2023.
-
Although it’s illegal to drive when impaired by alcohol, in 2023 one person was killed every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Drivers will see more law enforcement on the road now through Jan. 1, 2026, as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high visibility enforcement campaign. Law enforcement will be expanding their efforts with zero tolerance for impaired driving. The goal is to save lives. Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher, except in Utah, where the limit is .05 g/dL.
The Steep Costs of Impaired Driving
In addition to the dangerous and possibly deadly effects of impaired driving, the poor decision to get behind the wheel while impaired can negatively impact your life in other ways.
Getting caught drinking and driving can lead to jail time, and that arrest will follow you for many years to come. Impaired driving can cause you to lose your driver’s license and your vehicle. This could prevent you from getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss.
Additionally, the average DUI costs $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more. The financial impact from impaired-driving crashes is devastating: Crashes in which alcohol was the cause resulted in $57 billion in economic costs.
Play an Active Role in Helping Avoid Impaired Driving
Holiday revelers, party hosts and designated drivers can all help in keeping roads free of impaired driving.
-
Always drive 100% sober. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many.
-
Remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Don’t risk it.
-
Plan ahead: Before you have even one drink, designate a sober driver to get you home safely. If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make this decision, you might not make the best one.
-
You have options to get home safely: designate a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare. Getting home safely is always worth it.
-
If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
-
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
-
If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.
-
If you’re hosting a holiday party, offer festive non-alcoholic drink options for your guests and those serving as designated drivers. Be responsible and take action to make sure guests get home safely. Prepare to call taxis or rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.
How To Be a Designated Driver Hero
Inspired by one mother’s tragedy, MADD) introduced the concept of designating a sober driver in 1986. MADD and AAA provide the following tips for being a helpful and potentially life-saving designated driver:
-
Decide before the party starts. Commit to staying sober and let your friends and family know that you are their go-to if they need a ride.
-
Stick to your commitment. A true designated driver doesn’t drink — not even one. Swap cocktails for other festive sippers like hot cocoa or sparkling cider.
-
Make it fun! You can still be the life of the party. Volunteer to be the DJ, photographer or snack supplier.
-
Watch for others who might need a safe ride. Extend the circle of care. Sometimes the person you help isn’t part of your group. If you see someone who shouldn’t drive, step in with compassion.
-
Plan the return, not just the ride. Ensure everyone has a way to get home safely — even if plans change, the party continues elsewhere or the night runs long.
“Impaired driving crashes, injuries and deaths are completely preventable,” said AAA’s Steward. “With so many options making it easy to avoid driving after drinking, it doesn’t make sense to take a life-endangering chance. Have a plan in advance for a 100% sober ride, so the festive, joyful holidays don’t turn tragic.”
About AAA:
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and more than 450,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
Get Local News!
