The holiday season should be a time for celebration, but it also sees a tragic spike in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Thanksgiving and Independence Day might top the list of the most dangerous holidays for drivers in the United States, but impaired driving is a leading cause of car accidents during the December holiday season. Each year, traffic fatalities rise during holiday breaks due to factors like fatigue, impaired driving, distractions, and careless behavior.
The National Safety Council (NSC) analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. During the holidays, the percentage of traffic deaths involving alcohol ranges from 36% (Thanksgiving) to 42% (New Year’s), compared to an annual average of 31%.
Why is December so dangerous for impaired driving?
According to additional data from the NHTSA, between 2018 and 2022, 4,759 people lost their lives in such crashes during December alone. In December 2022, 1,062 individuals were killed in alcohol-related crashes. Young male drivers contribute disproportionately to this issue. In December 2022, male drivers were involved in fatal alcohol-related crashes at a rate of 22%, compared to 16% for females. Drivers aged 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (25%) of alcohol-impaired drivers in these fatal incidents.
Nighttime hours present the greatest risk. Drunk driving contributed to 31% of fatal crashes between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Alarmingly, 45% of drivers involved in fatal crashes from midnight to 2:59 a.m. were under the influence of alcohol.
Remember: buzzed driving is impaired driving
Buzzed driving may be legal in Maine, but that doesn't mean it doesn't cause impairment. According to the NHTSA, impairment can start at a blood alcohol content level as low as .02. At this level, drivers can experience some diminished judgment. They may also become more relaxed, which puts them at risk of drowsy driving, especially at night. At a BAC of .05, the impairment starts to become more exaggerated. Drivers experience some loss of muscle control, alertness, coordination, and reaction time.
It's important to note that the above-mentioned BAC levels are legal in Maine. A driver can only be charged with DUI and removed from the road if they measure a BAC of .08 or higher. So, even when a driver is just "buzzed," they still lack the necessary state of mind and abilities to fully operate a vehicle safely. It only takes a couple of drinks to reach this level of impairment.
How can impaired driving crashes be prevented this holiday season?
To stay safe during holiday travel, the NSC recommends the following safety practices for drivers:
- Designating a sober driver or using alternative transportation (e.g., Uber, Lyft, taxi, public transportation).
- Practicing defensive driving and staying alert to other drivers.
- Always buckling up, as seat belts save lives.
- Eliminating distractions, such as phone use while driving.
- Avoiding fatigue by getting adequate rest before long trips.
If you're hosting a party or holiday event where alcohol will be served, here are some tips to follow:
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages.
- Allow family and friends to spend the night.
- Arrange for attendees to leave with a sober driver.
- Intervene if you notice someone about to drive under the influence.
While following these safety measures can make Maine's roads safer, you can't always predict what others will do on the road. If you see a driver behaving erratically or swerving around the road, call the police right away and keep your distance from them.
Injured by a drunk driver? Review your legal options for free
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Maine, take action today to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. The Maine car accident attorneys at Jabar LaLiberty have extensive experience handling drunk driving accident cases. We have a proven track record of getting justice for crash victims, including a case where we recovered $530,000 for a client who suffered body and head injuries in a crash.
With our team by your side, you can focus on healing while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We also operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront or hidden fees and owe us nothing unless we win your case. With over four decades of experience, we know how to investigate, build strong cases, and push back against the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue or deny your claim.
Don’t let a drunk driver’s reckless actions leave you bearing the financial and emotional burden alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our compassionate lawyers will help you explore your legal options and provide honest answers to your questions. The path to justice starts with a single step—reach out now and let us help you move forward.
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