More than 10,000 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the U.S. in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Driving under the influence of marijuana is also a growing concern. As more states move to legalize recreational marijuana, drivers should be aware that it’s still illegal and dangerous to drive while marijuana-impaired.

Follow these tips to keep roads safe for motorists and pedestrians:

• Don’t drive. Choose a designated driver before you go out. 
• Use ridesharing. Download a ridesharing app such as Lyft or program your local taxi’s number into your phone. That way, you can get a safe ride home if you need one with the touch of a button. 
• Plan ahead. Stay with a friend or book a nearby hotel room if you are impaired. 
• Understand your medications. It's important for motorists to understand how their medications affect their driving safety. 
• Always wear your seatbelt. Nearly half of all vehicle occupants killed in car crashes were not wearing seat belts, according to NHTSA. 
• Look out for others. If you spot someone who appears to be an impaired driver when you are on the road, keep a safe distance and call 9-1-1 if it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to stop the other driver yourself.
• Share your knowledge. Talk to friends and family about the dangers of impaired driving. Parents should talk to their children about this issue long before their teens get into the driver’s seat. 

For more information on auto insurance call AAA at 800-836-2582 or stop by your local branch to speak with a AAA insurance agent. 

Learn more about auto insurance