Chief Jeffrey Bukunt and the Avon Police Department would like to remind all residents and those traveling through the community of the dangers of driving while under the influence, and encourage safe driving habits during the holiday season.
December is recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month each year in an effort to reduce crashes and tragedies that occur as a direct result of impaired driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019 — one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019.
The month of December typically sees a drastic increase in the number of impaired driving fatalities. During December 2019, 837 people were killed in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver. During the Christmas 2019 and New Year’s Day 2020 holiday periods, there were more drunk-driving-related fatalities (210) than during any other holiday period that year.
Additionally, the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) states that in 2018 a total of 12.6 million people drove under the influence of illicit drugs. According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 44% of drivers in fatal vehicle crashes tested positive for drugs.
The Avon Police Department reminds residents that these fatalities are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving while impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs — is dangerous, deadly, and illegal behavior.
Residents should keep the following safety tips from the NHTSA in mind to prevent crashes and tragedies as a result of impaired driving:
- Never drive if you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs.
- Never get into a vehicle with a driver who is drunk or high. Designate a sober driver beforehand or plan to use public transportation or a ride share service to get home safely.
- Watch out for your family and friends, and if one of them is impaired and planning to drive, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get home safely.
- Be a defensive driver. Remain vigilant while driving and watch out for other drivers who may be under the influence. If you see a driver who may be impaired, find a place to safely pull over and call 911.
- Nighttime is a particularly dangerous time to be on the roads. The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2019 was 3.3 times higher at night than during the day, and drivers should be extra aware of other drivers who may be under the influence in the evening and nighttime hours.
The Avon Police will also be operating extra patrols on New Year’s Eve to vigilantly monitor for drunken drivers. In the event of an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
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