The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) now urges people to call traffic collisions “crashes” instead of “accidents.” By definition, the word accident implies that there is nothing that can be done to prevent a car crash – as it turns out, however, there are plenty of factors that affect whether or not a car crash occurs.

There were 10,511 deaths from drunk-driving crashes in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2017, 29% of motor vehicle traffic fatalities were caused by drunk driving, where 220 of the victims were children age 14 and under. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, and while knowing the terrifying statistics that result from drunk driving is important, it’s action that makes all the difference in these numbers.

Perhaps in homage to Black Friday as the day after Thanksgiving, the day before Turkey Day has earned the nickname of Blackout Wednesday. One of its other monikers further clarifies the name: Drinksgiving. It’s the night when college kids come home and reconnect with friends, when family meets up in happy reunions, when the holiday season officially kicks off – and the alcohol is plentiful. Sadly, drunk driving car accidents abound too.

It’s dark, it’s cozy in your bed, the last thing you want is to emerge from your cocoon to start a cold, Michigan fall day. Sunday, November 3, however, is the end of daylight saving time for the year. “Falling back” gives you that extra hour of blissful sleep and more light in the morning. Unfortunately, this time change also creates hazardous driving conditions and increases the chances of auto accidents.

Parents look forward to hanging up their chauffeur’s hat when their teen earns their driver’s license, but they also dread the idea of setting their teen loose on the road. Teens look forward to getting their license. They see themselves as infallible and immortal and competent, but these mindsets can be deadly. Teenagers are the age group with the highest risk of getting into a car accident.