Sunday we will be closing the book on 2023.
As we usher out the old and enter the new year, it’s important that we celebrate responsibly. That means no drinking, drugging and driving.
In 2022, there were 78 incidents of driving while intoxicated in Leelanau County. Statewide that same year there were 9,331 alcohol-related crashes — 322 of these crashes included fatalities.
But alcohol is not the only substance that can intoxicate. According to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center, the Centers for Disease Control and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 2,400 drug related crashes were reported statewide in 2022 — 249 of these included fatalities.
These statistics require ingestion, inhalation or injection. But in recent years, technological advances in communications, have presented other temptations.
In 2020, there were nearly 4,000 distracted driving accidents in Michigan. Of these, property damage was reported in 2,818 of these accidents.
These took place well after the state’s 2010 law banning hand-held texting while driving; Kelsey’s Law, which made it unlawful for teen drivers to talk on the cell phone while they’re driving. Earlier this year, a new law went into effect aimed at reducing the volume of these incidents by the prohibition on drivers’ use of hand-held cell phones or mobile electronic devices.
There can be pressure and hype around what to do during this long New Year’s weekend. Many people want to have a memorable time and alcohol often plays a big part in the activities, as it can throughout the entire holiday season.
However, you may want to think twice before getting behind the wheel after happy hour. Have a game plan.
Here are some simple options to consider and choose from to make sure you and others are safe:
• Just don’t drink and drive. The amount of alcohol it takes to get to a blood alcohol content of .08, the legal limit, depends on a variety of factors such as how fast you drink and your weight. If you’ve had anything to drink, don’t get behind the wheel no matter what.
• Designate a sober driver. Plan this ahead of time and it means you can relax and indulge without worrying about driving yourself home.
• Take a cab. Although limited due to our “rural” setting, some ride-share companies aren’t readily available to get from here to there. The Bay Area Transportation Authority has limited late-night transportation available on New Year’s Eve. More information is available at 941-2324 or bata.net/maps-schedule.
• Have a sleepover. Begin a new tradition to usher in the new year. Consider making plans to sleep where you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve or hosting a slumber party of your own.
Let’s remember the reason for the celebration and the start of a brand-new year with a clean slate and a whole new set of possibilities.
Be safe. Happy New Year!
