Impaired Driving Crashes Spike During the Holidays

Car accidents caused by impaired drivers during the holidays have become a serious problem in recent years. That's why several organizations hope to prevent these accidents from happening during the holiday season.

"Weekends and holidays can be dangerous times on our roadways," says the National Safety Council (NSC). "Two of the most celebrated days of the year, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, also are among the most deadly."

Holiday drunk driving statistics

Organizations like the NSC, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the National Road Safety Foundation have been warning people about the dangers of drunk driving for years. Even so, drunk driving remains a serious problem nationwide. That's why these organizations have designated December as National Impaired Driving Awareness Month.

To truly understand the gravity of drunk driving crashes during the holidays, it's crucial to examine the statistics. Between 2017 and 2021, over 4,500 lives were lost in car crashes throughout the United States in December alone due to impaired drivers, as revealed by accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over that five-year period. Notably, the most devastating year within that timeframe was December 2021, when drunk drivers were responsible for a staggering 1,013 car accident fatalities across the nation.

What's being done to prevent drunk driving crashes during the holidays?

Along with all the organizations educating drivers this month about the dangers of impaired driving, more police will be out on the road enforcing drunk driving laws. This increased police presence is part of the NHTSA's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" program, which works with state and local police in every state nationwide.

How can I prevent drunk driving collisions during the holidays?

Police and organizations like MADD aren't the only ones doing their best to prevent drunk driving collisions. You can make a difference as well. Some of the steps you can take to prevent a drunk driving crash include planning ahead if you do plan to drink at holiday celebrations. Some of the best ways to plan for such situations include:

1. Make sure you have a designated driver who's sober and who can get you home safely.

2. Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.

3. Stay over at a friend's or family's place and drive home the next day.

In addition, if you see someone who appears to be driving under the influence, call the police immediately. Your call could save someone's life and prevent a drunk driving accident from happening in the first place.

How a car accident attorney can help you

You might assume that when a drunk driver crashes into your car and causes injuries, handling the situation is straightforward. Just call the police and your insurance company, and they'll handle everything, right?

However, the reality is often far more complex. Many car accident injury claims can quickly become complicated legal cases. This is when having an experienced car accident lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

At Vishno Law Firm, our dedicated legal team has a deep understanding of the laws governing drunk driving accidents in Connecticut, thanks to years of experience handling complex cases. You can count on us to protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

To see how we can help you, contact us today and schedule a free case evaluation.