Watch Out For Holiday Drunk Driving
As the holiday season approaches, it is important to be aware of the dangers of drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rates of drunk driving-related fatal crashes are higher during the holiday season. In 2019, 36% of New Year’s fatal crashes and 38% of Christmas fatal crashes involved a drunk driver, which was significantly higher than the 28% average.
Why the increase?
There are several reasons why drunk driving-related accidents increase during the Holiday season. People tend to drink more during this time of year, as social events and family gatherings involve the consumption of alcohol. One report even found that Americans may go so far as to double their alcohol intake during this time of year. Many people will fail to plan ahead for safe transportation, which can lead to people driving while impaired, or getting in a vehicle with someone who is driving impaired.
We looked at crash data during holiday travel periods in each state, specifically for crashes where at least one driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit of 0.08. Here is what we found:
- New Year’s Eve has the highest rate of alcohol-related traffic accident fatalities.
- During the winter holidays, 40% of highway deaths are alcohol related.
- Utah has the strictest laws on BAC after lowering it from .08 to .05 in 2018.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider weather conditions when driving during the Holiday season. Slippery roads, icy conditions, and limited visibility are all factors that contribute to an increased risk of accidents, which is why it’s important for drivers to slow down and watch out for other vehicles.
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