According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, South Carolina is the worst in regards to percentage of traffic deaths involving drunk drivers. South Carolina had 767 traffic deaths in 2013. 44 percent of that was attributed to drunk driving. Although the number has dropped since 2007, there are ways that you can continue the decline of drunken driving accidents.
Here are some ways to prevent drunk driving:
- Plan for a sober designated driver
- Make sure everyone agrees ahead of time
- Hide keys from the impaired person
- Call a taxi or other service, if necessary
- Make sure they are eating plenty of food
There is still danger to the designated driver because there will still be drunk drivers on the road.
There are several signs that can be associated with drunk drivers:
- Making wide turns
- Weaving, swerving, drifting or straddling the center line
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving at a very slow speed
- Stopping without a cause
- Braking erratically
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Driving after dark with headlights off
Being aware of your surroundings can save more than one life. Be safe this holiday weekend!