Alcohol was factor in many 2016 crashes

WILMINGTON — There were 210 crashes with 77 people injured last New Year’s holiday, according to Delaware State Police statistics, and alcohol was involved in 47 percent of all the fatal crashes in the state last year.

“With people celebrating the New Year and then getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, January 1 is a particularly dangerous day on the roads.  Even one death is far too many to be lost from a completely preventable crime,” said Ken Grant, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “AAA Mid-Atlantic urges motorists to be cautious about their safety and the safety of everyone sharing the roadways.”

He also urged drivers to observe pedestrians, because state police reported 26 pedestrian fatalities in 2015.

AAA advises celebrants to plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver before partying commences, and to take the keys from anyone who may be planning on driving impaired. Also, AAA advises declining a ride in a car driven by someone who has had even one drink, and putting numbers for local cab companies in phones before heading out for the evening.

Prescription drugs, illegal drugs and over-the-counter medications can also impair driving ability.