COLUMBUS – With the number of fatal crashes on Ohio’s roads higher than a year ago and statistics showing December is the month when the highest number of alcohol-related traffic accidents is reported, the auto club AAA and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are encouraging Ohioans to drive safely and sober this New Year’s holiday.
The number of fatal crashes on Ohio roadways is about 6% higher than last year despite lighter traffic volume due to business shutdowns and stay-at-home orders to control the spread of the coronavirus, according to data from the Ohio Department of Public safety.
With December being the month that often sees a spike in drunk-driving crashes, the auto club and the patrol are urging Ohioans to make traffic safety a priority by driving sober this New Year’s Eve.
Kimberly Schwind, senior public affairs manager for AAA Ohio recommends non-alcoholic “mocktails,” such as Ruby Sparkle Punch, Cranberry Cider and Mock Champagne. The auto club has recipes for these refreshments on its website.
Ruby Sparkle Punch
Ingredients:
20 oz. frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed
64 oz. Ocean Spray Ruby
Red grapefruit juice drink
10 oz. frozen strawberry daiquiri mix concentrate, thawed
28 oz. club soda
Preparation:
Place strawberries with syrup in blender. Blend until smooth. Combine strawberries, grapefruit juice drink and daiquiri mix in a large punch bowl. Mix well. Pour in club soda just before serving.
There were 10,500 alcohol-related crashes in Ohio in 2019, according to the patrol, and more of those crashes occurred in December than any other month. Overall, alcohol contributed to nearly 32% of Ohio’s 2019 fatal crashes, the patrol said.
Although 94% of drivers recognize the dangers of drunk-driving, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index found 10% of motorists admitted to driving after drinking in the past 30 days.
“This data shows that a do as I say, not as I do mentality remains among the motoring public regarding drunk driving,” Schwind said. “Regardless of what New Year’s celebrations look like this year, we urge all Ohioans to think of the implications before they get behind the wheel impaired.”