In the United States, someone is killed by drunk driving every 45 minutes, and up to 11,000+ people are killed every year. As a society we are aware of the deadly consequences that driving under the influence brings, and what makes these deaths even more tragic is how preventable they are. In America, the holiday season brings an increase in these accidents due to its festivities.
The holiday season in the United States is a wonderful time for joy, celebration, and spending quality time with family and friends. From Thanksgiving to New Years, there is a plethora of gatherings and parties, which often include alcohol and/or drugs. Unfortunately, every year people decide to get behind the wheel after drinking at holiday parties, which is why there is an increase in DUI related car accidents, injuries, and deaths around this time of year.
Thanksgiving
As a celebratory holiday, Thanksgiving is somewhat heavy as far as alcohol consumption. Around 69% of adults are likely to increase their alcohol consumption during the holiday season. Thanksgiving Day increases impaired driving fatalities by about 10-12% more than the usual average.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving has become known as “Blackout Wednesday” among young adults, where they celebrate the kick-off of the holiday season by binge-drinking alcohol. This has become a dangerous tradition, and lawyers, police officers, and more call it one of the most dangerous nights of the year for DUI related crashes.
Christmas and New Years
Similarly to Thanksgiving, many adults engage in Christmas festivities by drinking alcohol. In 2019, 140 Americans were killed in alcohol related accidents on Christmas day.
This time of year, law enforcement tends to patrol the streets more often and become more aware of drunk drivers on the road. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are extremely deadly. Many people who get behind the wheel the morning after New Years Eve are still intoxicated or have a BAC of 0.08% and above. In 2021, alcohol related accidents increased by around 20% more than the national average during the New Years time period.
DUI Prevention and Awareness
This holiday season, you can be a part of the reason that these tragic alcohol related accidents decrease. First, never get behind the wheel after you have been drinking. The risks are far too great, and it is never worth your or someone else’s life. Look out for signs of drunk driving in others on the road such as: swerving, inconsistent braking/acceleration, excessive speeding, and dismissal of road signs.
If you are involved in a car accident this holiday season, be sure to:
- Document the crash by taking as many photos and videos as possible, and get the other driver’s information.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Receive all of the necessary medical care/treatment for any of the injuries you may have suffered.
- Contact a car accident lawyer immediately to help you with your case.