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Party on: Tips to safely navigate the roads New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a night to usher out the old and ring in the new, and many people celebrate with alcohol. That’s what makes the night one of the most dangerous on the roadways.

Americans drink the most amount of alcohol on New Year’s Eve, bringing more drunk driving than any other time of the year, according to AAA mid-Atlantic.

During the Christmas and New Year’s period last year, there were 285 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in the United States.

Statistics compiled by AAA mid-Atlantic indicate impaired driving was the primary factor in 29% of traffic deaths in D.C., 24% of traffic deaths in Maryland, and 9% of traffic deaths in Virginia during 2018.

It’s wise to plan ahead.

Designate a non-drinking driver before the party, never get behind the wheel when you’ve been drinking and never get in the vehicle of a driver who has been drinking.

AAA also recommends taking keys away from friends or family members who may be impaired.

Weekend road and rail: Road work to bring slowdowns in Md., Va.; track work will impact Red Line

Here are the road and rail projects in the D.C. region that are likely to impact your weekend commute. Road Maryland There will be intermittent single- and multiple-lane closures on Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway) Outer Loop between Md. 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) and Md. 193 (University Boulevard) for permanent bridge joint repairs. Repairs are expected to take place weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. through late August.
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