As fans across the country get ready for Sunday’s big matchup, AAA is urging drivers in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia to make one decision before the first celebration begins: plan a safe ride home. AAA – The Auto Club Group says game day parties, alcohol, and late-night driving can be a dangerous mix, and they’re reminding everyone that a fun weekend can turn tragic with one poor choice behind the wheel.

“Too many people plan every detail of their party except a safe ride home,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If you’re drinking, driving should not be part of your game plan.” AAA says the safest approach is to decide in advance who will stay sober, arrange a ride, or use a service that keeps keys out of the hands of someone who has been drinking. They also encourage friends and family to speak up early if someone is trying to “tough it out” and drive anyway.

AAA points to national numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that show just how serious impaired driving remains. NHTSA reports about 34 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes—roughly one death every 42 minutes—and that in 2023, alcohol-impaired driving crashes claimed 12,429 lives nationwide. AAA says those deaths are preventable, and that the simplest way to stop them is for people to make responsible choices before the night gets going.

“When you choose to drive impaired, you risk the lives of everyone in your car and the people you share the road with,” Waiters said. “It’s a single decision that can quickly result in a lifetime of regret.” AAA also reminds drivers that serious consequences can happen even if there’s no crash. With law enforcement often out in force on game day, getting pulled over while impaired can result in a DUI that AAA says can cost $10,000 or more once fines, legal costs, insurance increases, and other expenses are added in. Beyond that, drivers may face license suspension and, in the most devastating situations, the lifelong burden of injuring or killing someone.

“Too many people think they’ll ‘figure it out later,’ and that’s how bad decisions happen,” Waiters said. “If you’re drinking, set up a sober ride before the first drink. Hosts can help prevent tragedy by offering nonalcoholic options and making sure no one drives impaired.” AAA says party hosts can play a major role by making it normal to choose a safe ride, checking in with guests before they leave, and helping arrange transportation when needed.