Alcohol Increases the Risk of Fatal Holiday Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), on average, approximately 28 percent of December car accidents nationwide involve drunk drivers. However, this number increases to 40 percent on Christmas and New Year’s, making alcohol and holiday travel a dangerous and sometimes deadly combination.
The percentage of fatal traffic accidents involving alcohol is highest over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, according to the NHTSA, though the percentage is just a bit lower for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The NHTSA includes both car crashes and motorcycle accidents in its percentages.
The number of fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers has decreased steadily since 1982, thanks in part to increased awareness of the danger of drunk driving as well as to increased police patrols and other safety measures. Unfortunately, the number of fatal accidents involving a drunk driver still peaks around the December holidays. Even though the overall number of accidents has gone down, half the accidents that do occur on Christmas or New Year’s still involve drunk drivers, according to the NHTSA.
You can help protect yourself and your loved ones first by never driving while drunk or “buzzed” and never allowing a friend or family member to do the same. Call a cab or choose a designated driver who will be sober the entire night. You may also wish to arrange your holiday plans so that you do not drive during Christmas or New Year’s at all, particularly at night.
If you have been injured in a car crash, the experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can help. Our skilled legal team has the resources and courtroom experience that is needed to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today by calling us at 1-888-684-7192.
