The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it could also attract heavier traffic and increase the risk of impaired driving. With a high volume of road activity and alcohol consumption at social events, the presence of drunk drivers will gradually increase.
National crash data demonstrates that drunk driving will not affect all groups equally, and that certain age ranges are more frequently involved in DUI-related crashes, with some holidays seeing a significantly higher rate of alcohol-impaired fatalities than others. With more drunk drivers on the road, these patterns demonstrate why safety during the holidays remains as a serious concern.
Knowing who is most at risk and when these crashes are expected to occur is important. From there, figuring out how to plan ahead, choosing safer transportation options, and avoiding impaired driving can all help lessen the chances of accidents during the holidays.
What Age Gets the Most DUI?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers ages 21 to 24 have the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes. In 2023, this age group had the greatest share of drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of or above 0.08%. This makes young adults in their early 20s the most common group when it comes to DUI-related fatal accidents.
With that said, underage drinking continues to be a serious concern. Car crashes are known to be one of the leading causes of deaths for teens. In 2023, 30% of drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in crashes had a BAC of 0.01 g/dL or higher. These emphasize why impaired driving, especially among teens, is dangerous due to their limited driving experience and higher crash risk.
Under California Vehicle Code ยง 23136 (Zero Tolerance Law), it is not allowed for a driver under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle while they have a BAC of 0.01% or higher. A violation will trigger administrative penalties, like an automatic license suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A higher BAC, specifically 0.05% or more, can result in separate and harsher DUI charges (CVC ยงยง 23140 and 23152). This includes fines, classes, probation, and potential jail time. A refusal can also extend the DMV suspension.
Which Holiday Has the Highest Rate of Drunk Driving Fatalities?
Data from the National Safety Council (NSC) shows Memorial Day as the holiday with the highest proportion of alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities when compared to other major United States holidays. While alcohol-related crashes contributed to 30% of all traffic deaths in 2023, this specific period increased to 39%.
Impaired driving also continues to be a notable issue during the winter season. New Year’s Eve and Christmas are often associated with increased alcohol consumption and higher numbers of serious collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 1,038 people were killed in drunk driving incidents in 2023, and more than 4,931 fatalities were reported nationwide between 2019 and 2023.
Even when road users are following traffic laws, driving drunk can trigger vehicle operators to have a reduced reaction time and judgement, raising the probability of devastating accidents and injuries.
7 Tips to Stay Safe During the Holiday Season
1. Plan Your Ride Before the Holiday Party Starts
Before you head out to a holiday party, you should first decide how you will get back home safely. Whether you choose a designated driver who will stay sober, checking public transportation schedules in advance, or planning to use a taxi or rideshare service, if you are planning on drinking, it is highly recommended to have a safe way to make it back home.ย
By having everything planned out will prevent you from choosing to drink and drive and ensure your chances of avoiding fines, lawsuits, and jail time. In addition, planning back up options just in case for emergencies are also a great way to make it back home safe and sound for the holiday season.
2. Do Not Let Someone Drive a Car if They Are Under the Influence
If someone you know has been drinking, you should not allow them to get behind the wheel. Try to take their keys if necessary and help arrange a sober ride home. Stepping in can feel uncomfortable, but it will help reduce the likelihood of a collision.
3. If You Drink, Do Not Drive
Even if you feel “fine,” alcohol can still affect your judgment and reaction time. If you are drunk, avoid driving altogether and contact a rideshare driver to pick you up, or you can reach out to a sober friend to take you home.
If you cannot drive home any time soon, it is recommended to sleep over at your friends place or in the worst case scenario, inside your car. Should you choose to sleep inside your car, make sure the doors are locked, windows are cracked, and your keys are not within a reachable sight so officers would not cite you a ticket.
4. Host Responsibly When Serving Alcohol
If you are hosting a gathering for the holidays, you should ensure guests stay safe. Encourage them to have designated, sober drivers or you could even provide non-alcoholic drink options. Also, be sure to set up a space where people can sleep over if they have drank too much, because if not you could be held liable for any drunk driving accident that happened under your watch.ย
5. Always Have Your Seat Belt On
Wearing a seat belt is a simple and effective method to ensure your safety in a drunk driving accident. Whether you are a passenger or a driver, seatbelts will remain as your best defense against serious accidents and injuries in drunk driving-related crashes. As the severity of drunk driving accidents will vary on a case by case basis, seatbelts will prevent you from suffering any additional injuries in the event of a car accident.
6. Follow the Speed Limit and Drive Defensively
Holiday traffic means crowded roads and unpredictable driver behavior. Complying with the speed limit and remaining alert of your surroundings will give you additional time to react if another motorist is acting negligently or appears to be under the influence.
7. Look Out for Others on the Road
Even if you are driving home sober after a holiday party, it is vital that you watch out for signs of impaired driving and be sure to maintain a safe following distance. While you can avoid drunk drivers, there is a possibility that drunk drivers may still crash into you.
Whether you encounter a drunk driver on the road, it is recommended to report dangerous behavior when necessary. Staying aware will help protect you along with everyone else sharing the road.
Do Self-Driving Cars Make it Safe to Drink and Drive?
While driver-assist technology continues to advance, these systems do not eliminate the dangers of drunk driving. Most self-driving vehicles on the road nowadays have partial automation, meaning a person will still need to remain alert and ready to take control of the vehicle at all times. Putting trust into this type of feature after drinking can be dangerous and may still lead to legal repercussions if an accident occurs.
During busy holiday periods, road conditions are often unpredictable. Self-driving systems can struggle with heavy congestion, reduced visibility, and reckless drivers, making sober human oversight important. With that said, such technology should not be viewed as a substitute for safer decision-making.ย
Until fully autonomous vehicles are approved and are declared safe to use in all types of driving conditions, the most responsible approach to reducing risk during the holiday season would be to avoid drinking and driving altogether. Plan a sober ride home with a friend or family member or use a rideshare or public transportation service instead as a reliable way to avoid alcohol-related crashes.
Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident? Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one were involved in an accident because of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to take legal action against the at fault party to recover compensation. Such cases can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens. When alcohol impairment is involved, establishing fault and communicating with insurance companies can become too much to handle on your own. Legal guidance will ensure the facts are accurately evaluated and that your claim is taken seriously.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team can help you understand your options and the potential paths available for you to pursue. We handle these types of cases on a contingency-fee basis, allowing you to seek answers without having to deal with upfront legal fees.
To book a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our convenient online contact form.
