AAA: New Year's Day is the deadliest day

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- AAA officials are reminding U.S. drivers and passengers alike New Year's Day consistently ranks as the year's deadliest day for alcohol-related fatalities.

Robert Darblenet, AAA president and chief executive officer, said to strengthen efforts to protect the public against drunk drivers and reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths, AAA was announcing its support of ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders.

"AAA is not alone in its concern about impaired driving or strong support for tough policies for convicted drunk drivers," Darblenet said in a statement.

This year's Traffic Safety Culture Index conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found more than 9-in-10 drivers considered it a serious threat to their personal safety when others drink and drive, and 97 percent surveyed found it unacceptable for a driver to get behind the wheel after drinking.

To prevent these dangers, nearly 8-in-10 Americans support requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders, even if it's their first conviction, the survey said.

"Evidence clearly shows that ignition interlock devices were more effective than other methods at reducing re-arrest among convicted drunk drivers and keeping them off the road," Darblenet said.

AAA also recommended partygoers should:

-- Designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration.

-- Never get behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol -- even after just one drink.

-- Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has had even one drink.

-- Take the keys from friends or family members who might be impaired.

-- Call a taxi for a friend in need.

No survey details were provided.