At Badgley Law Group, our Orlando auto accident attorneys have seen many types of injuries and damages from a car crash sustained over the holiday season. The season shows a spike in road fatalities due to more cars on the road and an increase in alcohol related accidents involving drunk driving.
Accident statistics during the holidays show that more than 40 percent of the fatalities during Christmas and New Year involved alcohol. Certain age groups have a higher risk of drinking and driving during the holiday season with drivers between the ages of 21 to 25 being more involved in fatal crashes related to alcohol use, and the second highest age group represented in fatal crashes are between 25 and 34.
According to statistics by the U.S. Department of Transportation, over the past 5 years an average of 300 people died in drunk driving crashes between Christmas and New Year.
You will notice during the holiday season that law enforcement increases patrols and drivers on the road. You may also see ads depicting the consequences of drunk driving. These ads and the law enforcement blitz are part of the NHTSA, the national “drive sober or get pulled over” safety campaign. Drivers, stay aware and reduce the fatalities on the road by never driving drunk, plan a safe ride with a designated sober driver, call a cab or uber, have a friend pick you up, but celebrate the holidays and stay safe. Don’t be a traffic statistic this holiday season.
Millions will be traveling to see family and friends to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s this holiday season. Many make those trips in their cars, and with frigid weather conditions, there may be accidents along the way. The risk of a car crash is higher when there are more cars on the road and when there is inclement weather. It is also expected that people will be more likely to have a few drinks before getting behind the wheel during the holidays.
Between work parties, family get-togethers, and friendly celebrations, people often tend to drink more alcohol during this time of year.
Sobering Statistics about the Holiday Season
We know that the festive period starts before Christmas and ends after New Year’s Day. This time accounts for some of the highest incidents of binge drinking. Overindulging during the holidays is very easy with food, good spirits, and lots of cheer around. Alcohol is in abundance during these celebrations.
Some sobering statistics are available on holiday drinking and driving. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), deaths from drinking and driving spike around holidays, and alcohol is blamed for 52 percent of fatal collisions on Christmas and 57 percent on New Year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 25,000 people will be injured in auto accidents.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself and Others:
- If you drink, do not get behind the wheel
- Do not let someone you know drive if they have been drinking
- Do not drive late at night or early in the morning
- Be very cautious on the roads, look out for erratic driving of a drunk driver
- Report suspected drunk drivers to the police
At Badgley Law Group, we work with people that are injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of other drivers. Drunk driving and drug impaired driving are a large part of the statistics on fatal injuries from car crashes around the holiday season.
Negligent drivers should be held responsible for fatalities, injuries, and other damages sustained in automobile accidents.