Police urge drivers to plan ahead as New Year’s Eve brings increased risk on roads

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — As people across the Bluegrass prepare to ring in the New Year, police are reminding drivers that New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights of the year to be on the road.

According to the American Safety Council, New Year’s celebrations are among the most alcohol-fueled holidays, increasing the risk of impaired driving incidents as people count down to midnight and travel during the early hours of the new year.

I spoke with the Lexington Police Department about the risks and what drivers can do to stay safe.

“We are probably very concerned about having a higher number of potential drunk drivers or impaired drivers on the road, but New Year’s Eve is the one that we typically think about,” said Sgt. Bige Towery with the Lexington Police Department.

Statistics show more than 40% of traffic fatalities during the holiday season involve alcohol-impaired drivers.

Towery says officers will be out in force to help keep roads safe.

“Our officers are always aware that those potential drivers are out there,” Towery said. “We get asked a lot, do we have extra officers out there? We utilize many federal grants for traffic, and we will have additional resources out there on New Year’s Eve.”

Police say planning ahead is one of the most important steps drivers can take before heading out to celebrate.

“Specifically New Year’s Eve, people want to go out and have a good time, whatever venue they are going to, whatever event they are going to, but you need to think about things ahead of time,” Towery said.

That planning includes arranging a safe ride home.

“Whether you have a friend you can call to pick you up, whether you call a taxi, utilize a rideshare, whatever — you need to have that plan in place,” Towery said.

Towery also warned that impairment is not limited to alcohol.

“When we talk about driving under the influence or driving impaired, it’s not just alcohol,” he said. “You can get arrested for drugs, even legal drugs if they are used incorrectly.”

Police say the consequences of impaired driving can be devastating, but they are also preventable.

“You could be involved in an accident, someone could get hurt and someone could potentially lose their life, and it’s 100% preventable,” Towery said.

There is some positive news statewide. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, traffic deaths have decreased, with 608 fatalities reported this year. Officials say that is the lowest number since 2000, when fatalities were in the 700s.