New Years Eve is almost upon us and here are some sobering thoughts!

With an average of 140 deaths (based on statistics from 2002 to 2008), New Year’s Day is the second most deadly day for drivers, according to Anne Fleming of the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety.

Pedestrians are at an elevated risk on these days as well, perhaps due to alcohol consumption and/or inclement weather.

The New Year’s Holiday (includes the holiday weekend surrounding New Year’s Eve)

2010: 143 people killed (48 percent of highway deaths)
2009: 185 people killed (40 percent of highway deaths)
2008: 175 people killed (41 percent of highway deaths)

In addition, New Year’s Day is especially dangerous, with 57 percent of all traffic fatalities involving a drunk driver in 2010.

During the New Year’s period, between 2007 and 2011, an estimated 42% of traffic fatalities were the result of drinking and driving. On Christmas, just 35% of accidents were the result of drinking and driving, less than any of the major six holidays. Winter weather also plays a role in holiday accidents. Believe it or not when we have severe winter weather the number goes down because people are less likely to travel.

So when going out this New Years DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! Make it to next year and don’t become a statistic. As always, Drive Safe!