Planning a sober ride home

In 2024, 11,904 people died in drunk-driving crashes, about 32 a day and one every 44 minutes. That's about 30% of all traffic deaths. Among children 14 and younger killed in crashes that year, 21% died in drunk-driving crashes, and more than half of those children were riding with the drunk driver.

Age matters too. Crashes are a leading cause of death for teens, and in 2024, 29% of drivers aged 15 to 20 who were killed in crashes had been drinking. The 21-to-24 age group had the highest percentage of drunk drivers that year.

Before you go out

• Settle how you're getting home before the party startsChoose a friend who won't be drinking as the driver.
• Save the numbers for a taxi, a ride-hailing service and a sober friend
• Count every drink the sameA 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine and a shot of spirits each hold about half an ounce of alcohol.

Once you've been drinking

• Don't drive, for any reasonEven a small amount of alcohol affects your driving. It's very hard to judge your own impairment, and people often feel fine when they aren't.
• Call the ride you planned
• Watch for medicines that mix with alcoholSome medicines, and other drugs, add to the impairment.

Helping someone else

• Don't let a friend who's been drinking driveTake their keys and help them get a sober ride home.
• See every guest at your party leave with a sober driver
• Report an impaired driver on the road to the police
• Wear your seat belt on every tripA seat belt is your best defense against an impaired driver.

How alcohol affects driving

Alcohol slows the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination, which are all needed to drive. The more you drink, the greater the effect, and drinking fast raises the level of alcohol in the blood more than drinking slowly. Food in the stomach slows how fast alcohol is absorbed, and a smaller body keeps more alcohol in the blood.