Drunk Driving Increases Around the Holidays
Over the last few years, a consistent trend has shown that holiday periods often have an increase in drunk driving-related accidents. These periods, usually spanning about 72 hours depending on the holiday, are often tracked by the National Safety Council (NSC) to examine year-to-year changes. While each holiday tends to see this trend, the ones during the winter season often have the biggest shift. Read on to learn more.
Holiday Accident Statistics
Drunk driving accidents have gradually decreased over time, but these concerning holiday periods still average higher than other days in the year. In the most recently released data, they found that:
- 38% of vehicle fatalities during Christmas involve an alcohol-impaired driver; this is 10% higher than the national average.
- 64% of traffic fatalities on Christmas occur at nighttime.
- 36% of New Year's accidents are alcohol-related.
- California has a holiday vehicle fatality rate of 1.21 per 100,000 residents.
- 2013 saw the lowest holiday fatality rate since 1996.
However, we would be remiss to not acknowledge that these periods also have an increase in overall drivers on the roads. According to AAA, approximately 104.8 million Americans travel by car during the holidays. Add this on top of the inevitable stress that comes with the season and it can be a recipe for disaster.
Northern California Car Accident Attorneys
No matter the reasoning for getting behind the wheel when under the influence, drunk driving is never acceptable, and drivers should be held accountable for the damages caused. Know that you have a right to seek compensation for injuries caused by drunk drivers.
Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley is dedicated to protecting your right to make it home safely. If you are involved in an accident this holiday season that leaves you with an injury, call (530) 413-0245 or fill out this short form to schedule a free consultation with our team.