The holidays are a time for celebration and merriment all across the U.S. Sadly, it is also a time of increased auto accidents, often due to DWI. Injury claim attorneys know that the holidays mean more drivers are on the road and more people are leaving seasonal parties and get-togethers where alcohol was served.
You don't have to be a statistic this year. Avoid getting a DWI this holiday season that requires the services of auto accident lawyers by being aware of the inherent dangers and planning ahead to avoid them.
DWI and Auto Accidents More Prevalent
Every year beginning with Thanksgiving Eve and continuing through New Year's Day, DWI's increase substantially. The incidence of auto accidents also rises during this time period. Although injury claim attorneys do recognize there are multiple causes for this, including increased traffic and hazardous weather conditions, driving while under the influence of alcohol is the most common factor.
According to research data collected by Scramsystems, the leading developer of alcohol monitoring technology, 40% of all traffic-related fatalities during the holiday season are due to someone driving while drunk.1 Statisticians and auto accident lawyers acknowledge this as an increase of 12% over the usual statistic of 28%. Of these fatalities, 35% typically occur over the Thanksgiving holiday, 41% over Christmas and 58% over New Years1 as more people take to the roads after consuming alcohol at holiday gatherings.
It is estimated that these incidents will account for as many as 1,200 fatalities and more than 25,000 injuries this holiday season. In the state of Texas alone, there were 2,374 alcohol-related auto accidents, 205 serious injuries, and 102 fatalities during the 2015-2016 holiday season.2
Driving Safe During the Holiday Season
Based on these sobering statistics, state and national safety agencies as well as injury claim attorneys stress the importance of proper planning to avoid any driving after drinking. Good preparation to ensure that everyone gets home safe during the holidays means understanding the fact that accidents increase at holiday time. Drivers must take necessary steps to prevent becoming a holiday statistic.
Whether you choose to pre-arrange a ride with a rideshare service or cab company or assign a designated driver for your group, staying off the road after consuming alcohol is essential. Yet auto accident lawyers point out that the only safe designated drivers are those who remain completely sober, not just the person in your group who has consumed the least amount of alcohol.2
Another option to enjoy the holiday festivities is to plan ahead to stay overnight at family or friends’ homes. Another option would be to make arrangements with a local hotel that offers shuttle or cab service to and from an event.
From giving thanks to seeing in the New Year, holidays are a time of celebration for millions of people in the U.S. Unfortunately, attorneys who help clients with injury claims know these celebrations can become deadly when someone drives under the influence. Stay safe and prevent dangerous auto accidents by planning ahead for sober transportation. Lawyers who handle auto accidents point out that drivers can save lives and avoid a potential DWI. Have a happy, safe, and sober holiday season this year!
Hildebrand & Wilson, Attorneys at Law
7930 Broadway, Suite 122
Pearland TX 77581
1Scram Systems - Drinking & DUIs During the Holidays: Sober Days For The Holidays, 2017 Update
2Texas Department of Transportation: Driver - Holiday: Plan While You Can, 2017
