Dangers of Holiday Drunk Driving

As the holiday season approaches, we await the rush of festivities and excitement that comes along with this cheery time of year. Holiday parties quickly book your calendar, where it’s almost expected to indulge in pumpkin pie and holiday cocktails. In the midst of all the fun spent with loved ones or baking your favorite holiday treat, this inviting season has unfortunately proven to be the most dangerous time for many travelers on the road.

Holiday celebrations can carry a harsh reality with its contagious spirit, sometimes leading to drunk driving and alcohol-related traffic deaths. Our team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys finds it extremely important that we do our part to inform drivers of these dangers and offer ways to prevent drunk driving accidents during the holidays.

Some statistics to consider:

• 40% of traffic-related deaths during the holidays are due to drunk drivers
• 50% of people say that alcohol plays a role in their holiday parties
• 96% of adults go to work hungover the morning following a holiday party
• 103 million people travel on the roads between December 23 and January 3
• 2-3 times more people die in alcohol-related crashes between Thanksgiving and New Years
• 51% of high-risk DUI drivers admit to drinking more during the holidays than the rest of the year

Driving is the #1 form of travel during the holiday season, making it even more dangerous for passengers when alcohol is thrown in the mix. Not only do travelers endanger themselves by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, but drivers and fellow passengers constantly run the risk of being victims to drunk drivers and high-risk drivers. Let’s consider some ways to keep drunk driving off the road this season.

Crucial tips for safe driving:

• If you plan on drinking, arrange a driver, Uber, Lyft or another form of transportation.
• Make sure to eat proper meals and drink water before and in between alcoholic beverages.
• If a friend has consumed one too many alcoholic beverages, help them get home safely and make sure they don’t drive
• If you host a holiday party and wish to serve alcohol, take responsibility and watch out for your guests to keep them from driving drunk!
• Avoid traveling during peak hours with high traffic or late night hours. Try arriving at your holiday destination a day early or returning home a day later than most travelers if you have the flexibility to do so.

If you are involved in an alcohol-related accident at no fault of your own over the holidays, despite all precautions, our team can help. We understand the physical, financial and emotional damages that often result from crashes involving alcohol and hope to relieve you from some of that stress in court. Visit our Get Gordon Team if you or a loved one experiences trauma from a drunk driving accident over the holidays, and we will investigate your case free of charge. You don’t owe us anything until we obtain a settlement for you or win your case. Let us help you receive the compensation you deserve if you are a victim to a drunk driving accident.

Please remember to drive responsibly after your festivities, and keep the road a safe place for all drivers this holiday season!

Sources:
www.scramsystems.com/blog/2017/11/infographic-drinking-duis-holidays-2017
drivingschool.net/holiday-driving-tips-2017