It’s time to deck the halls for the holiday season, which means shopping, eating, and plenty of festive gatherings. Most holiday parties and festivities include sparkling cocktails and holiday spirits. Unfortunately, some people endanger themselves and others by drinking and driving.
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, an initiative designed to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving during the holiday season and provide proactive tips to drivers and party-goers to keep individuals and their families safe. At Stewart Law Offices, we are dedicated to helping our neighbors stay safe this and every holiday season.
Drunk Driving Statistics During the Holidays
According to holiday drunk driving statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in one recent December, 1,062 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired crashes. Additional studies by the agency confirm that the span between Christmas and New Year’s Day can be the most dangerous time for holiday travelers.
The winter holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is one of the deadliest times to hit the road because of drunk drivers. Data shows that there tends to be a significant increase in the number of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities during this time.
What Time Are Most Drunk Drivers on the Road?
While you can encounter a drunk driver anytime during the holiday season, there are times when you are more likely to. What time are most drunk drivers on the road? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that nighttime driving tends to be significantly more dangerous than daytime driving. Thirty-one percent of collisions between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. involved an impaired driver. Moreover, 45 percent of drivers involved in fatal collisions between the hours of midnight and 2:59 a.m. were also drunk, making late nights and early morning the most dangerous time for drunk driving-related crashes.
Safe Travel Tips
DUI statistics around the holidays may make you nervous about going out to celebrate the season with friends and loved ones. However, there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your guests during the busy holiday party season. Consider these safe travel tips if you are making festive plans that include alcohol:
- Designate a sober driver.
- Call a ridesharing service or taxi.
- Look for a free sober driving service.
- Make arrangements to stay with friends or family.
- Offer to let drunk guests stay at your home.
- Limit holiday driving, especially during risky times.
- Offer guests mocktails and other non-alcoholic options.
- Do not continue to serve alcohol to guests who appear intoxicated.
- Stay alert and report potentially impaired drivers to authorities.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm for Legal Assistance
You can take all the safety precautions in the world and still find yourself on the wrong side of holiday traffic and a drunk driving crash. The drunk driving accident lawyers at Stewart Law Offices can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses and other financial losses.
Do you know when to call an accident lawyer? The time is now. Contact our law office today and request a confidential legal consultation.
