Every day is the U.S., 29 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a drunk driver, according to CDC. That amounts to one death every 50 minutes. Alcohol-impaired fatalities involving drivers with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher accounted for 30% of all traffic deaths nationwide in 2020, as stated by the National Safety Council (NSC). Among traffic fatalities in 2020, the following had a BAC of .08% or greater, as reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- 5,550 passenger vehicle drivers (30%)
- 41 large truck drivers (7%)
- 1,436 motorcycle riders (27%)
- 1,950 pedestrians (31%)
Drunk drivers are a menace on the roadways any time of year, but some months are more dangerous than others. The following are some of the deadliest months for drunk driving accidents.
July: Watch Out for Drunk Drivers on Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th, with fireworks, backyard barbeques, and plenty of alcohol for many Americans. The Fourth of July consistently ranks as one of the worst days for DUI accidents, injuries, and fatalities. From 2016 to 2020, 1,390 drivers were killed during the Fourth of July holiday, and 41% of them were drunk, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the highest percentage among all major holidays, as stated by NSC.
December and January: Drunk Drivers Are Out for the Holidays
Friends and families get together to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Day. Eggnog spiked with brandy or rum is a holiday tradition in the U.S. Too many people attend holiday parties where alcoholic beverages are served, then get behind the wheel of a car to drive home. Men, women, and teens all over the country party on New Year’s Eve until the clock strikes midnight and beyond. NSC reports that during a recent New Year’s Day holiday period, 36% of traffic fatalities involved an impaired driver.
To make matters worse, icy or snow packed roads and other weather conditions increase the risk of a crash in December and January. In a recent year, 285 people in the U.S. were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the Holidays, according to NHTSA.
November: Drunk Drivers Are Nothing to Be Thankful for
“Buzzed” (impaired) driving is prevalent during the Thanksgiving holiday, according to U.S. Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Marketing (TSM). This is due in part to cultural phenomena such as “Blackout Wednesday,” which encourages heavy consumption of alcohol and drugs. Let’s face it, eating and drinking with family and friends is what most people do to celebrate Thanksgiving. It comes at a high cost when we fail to celebrate responsibly and appoint a designated driver. In a recent year 29% of all traffic deaths during the Thanksgiving Day period involved a drunk driver, as reported by NSC.
You Have Options if You Have Been Injured by a Drunk Driver
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced Boston car accident lawyer as soon as you are able. You may have a claim for compensation against the responsible party. Damages you may be entitled to claim may include:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
Contact DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers at (978) 396-2464 to schedule a free consultation. Our founding attorney has been named as one of the top litigators in Massachusetts and New Hampshire by several legal associations. We have recovered millions in compensation for our clients.