It is important for drivers to be extra cautious on the road during the holidays. The chances of being hit by drunk driver substantially increases this time of year. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the number of deaths caused by drunk driving spikes around the holidays. In fact, alcohol is responsible for about 52% of all fatal collisions during Christmas and roughly 57% on New Year’s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that aside from the 1,200 alcohol-related fatalities that occur on the road during the holiday season, another 25,000 injuries will also be sustained by drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Research has shown that the death toll per day due to drunk driving is drastically higher during the holidays when compared to the rest of the year. The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 40% of traffic-related fatalities during Christmas and New Year’s are linked to drunk driving. This is 12% higher than the rest of the month of December.
Below, are some interesting statistics about DUIs during the holiday season:
- 51% of drunk drivers say they drink more during the holidays than they do throughout the rest of the year
- Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, 1,200 people will be killed in crashes caused by a drunk driver
- 16% of adults say they drink more than usual during the holidays
- Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, 25,000 people will be injured in accidents caused by a drunk driver
- About 22% of people who attend holiday work parties say they feel pressure to drink alcohol
- 2-3x more people die in DUI accidents between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than the rest of the year
Want to learn more about DUI statistics during the holiday season? Contact our Denver team of DUI attorneys to find out how we can help you today.