JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As many people finalize their holiday plans, law enforcement -- and really anyone who finds themselves on the road -- hopes you think about how you’ll get home before the fun begins.
Here’s one reason why: a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows more than half of people involved in serious or deadly crashes had drugs or alcohol in their system.
The study looked at records from trauma centers across the country, including Jacksonville.
It found 55% of the worst crashes from September 2019 to July 2021 were a result of impaired driving.
That breaks down to about 29 deaths each day in the U.S.
About a quarter of serious or deadly crashes involved someone who tested positive for marijuana. Nearly a quarter more for alcohol. And about 11% for some form of stimulant like cocaine or methamphetamines.
As you celebrate, AAA said it’s important to make a plan before you go.
Use a ride share or public transportation.
NEVER get behind the wheel while under the influence.
And if you do need a backup, AAA is offering its last-resort Tow To Go service.
RELATED: AAA offers towing service to keep impaired drivers off the road this holiday season
That’s a free ride for impaired drivers and a tow for their vehicles within a 10-mile radius. The service begins Friday at 6 p.m. and goes until 6 a.m. on Jan. 2. You don’t have to be a AAA member to use it.
To book a ride, call 1-855-2-TOW-2 GO (855-286-9246).