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Holiday Drinking Raises Concerns Of Drunk Driving

By: Jessica Jordan // December 29, 2010
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One in 10 drivers says they've gotten behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated in the last year, according AAA Mid-Atlantic.
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One in 10 drivers says they've gotten behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated in the last year, according AAA Mid-Atlantic.

A survey by AAA Mid-Atlantic polled 2,000 drivers, age 16 and older, and asked if they considered drunk driving a serious threat -- more than 80 percent said they did. One out of 10 drivers admits they've gotten behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated in the last year, according to the survey.

AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson John Townsend says the survey shows that some drivers are hypocrites about drinking and getting behind the wheel, especially during the holidays.

"This time of year, New Year's Eve, when we're ringing in the new year and ringing out the old year we often do it with a beverage in our hands and that underscores how dangerous it is," Townsend says.

This weekend, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program will offer free rides to anyone who has been drinking. Last year the group, SoberRide, picked up more than more than 690 people on New Year's Eve night.

The number for SoberRide is toll-free: 1-800-200-TAXI. Rides are free up to $30 between 10pm and 6am through New Year's Day.

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