The Must-Have Holiday Safety App Every New Yorker Should Download

This time of year is full of celebrations, late nights, and plenty of chances to enjoy a drink or two. That is exactly why New York State created the Have a Plan app, a free tool designed to help prevent impaired driving before it becomes a problem.

The app was developed by the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP DWI Foundation. It gathers everything a driver might need in one simple place.

You can pull up taxi and ride share options, look at information about blood alcohol content levels, create a list of designated drivers, and learn more about laws related to driving while impaired. It is meant to take the guesswork out of making a responsible choice.

Impaired driving continues to be a major issue in New York. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that almost a third of traffic fatalities in the state in 2018 involved alcohol. Officials say arrests and crashes involving impairment have increased in recent years, and the legalization of cannabis adds another layer of concern.

That is why this app matters, especially during the holiday season when routines change and celebrations are frequent. It gives people the chance to plan while they are clear-headed rather than making a risky decision later.

The Have a Plan app is free HERE for Apple and Android users, and additional information about the STOP DWI program can be found at stopdwi dot org.