What Is the Deadliest Holiday for Drunk Driving?
Every year, countless Americans look forward to the holidays as a time for celebrating, relaxing, and reuniting with loved ones. However, with festive gatherings and celebrations comes a rise in alcohol consumption and, consequently, an increase in drunk driving incidents.
After a holiday accident involving alcohol, a skilled attorney specializing in Phoenix Drunk Driving cases can provide the assistance you need.
Statistics paint a sobering picture of how holiday festivities can take a turn for the worse, as many drunk driving accidents result in devastating and sometimes fatal injuries. So, which holiday claims the most lives due to drunk driving?
Holiday Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council (NSC) tracks crash fatalities, including drunk driving accident fatalities, for each of the major U.S. holidays. Let’s review some recent alcohol-related crash fatality data to explore which holidays pose the greatest risk.
New Year’s Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
New Year’s Day is a celebration of the beginning of the new calendar year. It falls on January 1st. The New Year’s holiday is a single day, but celebrations often begin on New Year’s Eve (December 31st) and extend into the early hours of January 1.
According to the most recently available traffic data for the New Year’s holiday:
- The U.S. saw 138 New Year’s traffic deaths last year.
- Out of all traffic fatalities that occurred during the New Year’s holiday that year, 49 percent (roughly 68 traffic deaths) were alcohol-related.
- The rate of drunk driving accident deaths was 19 percent higher than the annual average during the New Year’s holiday.
Memorial Day Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who died in military service to the United States. It falls on the last Monday of May. Many people treat it and the weekend leading up to it as a three-day holiday.
According to the most recently available traffic data for Memorial Day weekend:
- There were 396 Memorial Day traffic deaths throughout the U.S. last year.
- Out of all traffic fatalities that occurred during the Memorial Day holiday that year, 41 percent (roughly 162 traffic deaths) were alcohol-related.
- The rate of drunk driving accident deaths was 11 percent higher during Memorial Day weekend than the annual average.
Independence Day Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July holiday, celebrates the United States’ declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776. It falls on July 4th, but Independence Day celebrations, such as fireworks and barbecues, often extend into the surrounding days.
According to the most recently available data for the Independence Day holiday:
- There were 480 Independence Day traffic deaths in the U.S. in 2020.
- Out of all traffic fatalities to occur during the Independence Day holiday that year, 41 percent (roughly 197 crash deaths) were alcohol-related.
- The rate of drunk driving accident deaths was 11 percent higher than the 2020 annual average during that Independence Day holiday period.
Labor Day Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions of U.S. workers to the strength and prosperity of the country. It falls on the first Monday of September. Like with the Memorial Day holiday, many people treat the weekend leading up to it as an extended holiday period.
According to the most recently available traffic data for the Labor Day holiday:
- There were 510 Labor Day traffic deaths throughout the U.S. last year.
- Out of all traffic fatalities that occurred during the Labor Day holiday, 38 percent (roughly 194 traffic deaths) were alcohol-related.
- The rate of drunk driving accident deaths during that Labor Day holiday was 8 percent higher than the annual average.
Thanksgiving Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Thanksgiving is a holiday expressing gratitude for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It falls on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving is a one-day holiday, but many Americans have the Friday after Thanksgiving off as well, creating a long holiday weekend.
According to the most recently available traffic data for Thanksgiving:
- There were 496 Thanksgiving traffic deaths last year.
- Out of all traffic fatalities that occurred during the Thanksgiving holiday that year, 36 percent (roughly 179 traffic deaths) were alcohol-related.
- The rate of drunk driving accident deaths was 6 percent higher than the 2020 annual average during that Thanksgiving holiday.
Christmas Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Christmas is a Christian holiday, but it has also become a popular cultural holiday throughout the U.S. It falls on December 25th, but celebrations often begin during Advent in December and extend through New Year’s. Many consider the period from Christmas Eve (December 24th) to the day after Christmas (Boxing Day) as part of the extended holiday period.
According to the most recently available traffic data for the Christmas holiday:
- There were 312 Christmas traffic deaths throughout the U.S. last year.
- Out of all traffic fatalities that occurred during the Christmas holiday that year, 39 percent (roughly 122 traffic deaths) were alcohol-related.
- The rate of drunk driving accident deaths during that Christmas holiday period was 9 percent higher than annual average.
Which Holiday Has the Most Drunk Driving Crash Deaths?
When examining the devastating consequences of drunk driving during major U.S. holidays, three holidays stand out:
Independence Day led the way last year with the highest total number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities on record, with approximately 197 drunk driving crash deaths during the holiday period. Labor Day followed closely with roughly 194 drunk driving crash deaths throughout the Fourth of July holiday. However, more people died in fatal Labor Day traffic accidents (510) than fatal Independence Day traffic accidents (480).
On the other hand, New Year’s takes the top spot when considering the rate increase in drunk driving fatalities compared to the 2020 annual average. The rate of drunk driving accident deaths during the New Year’s holiday was a staggering 19 percent higher than the year-long average. As a result, we can safely say the New Year’s holiday had the most significant surge in alcohol-related accidents.
Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
There are numerous safety campaigns warning the public about the dangers of drunk driving, but it remains a persistent and deadly problem on American roads. Alcohol impairment affects a driver’s cognitive functions and physical reactions, increasing the risk of many types of accidents.
While alcohol can exacerbate any road incident, intoxication has strong links to some specific accident types, such as:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the back of another. Delayed reaction times due to alcohol impairment can contribute to these crashes by preventing drivers from braking in time, especially in heavy traffic or when others stop suddenly.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on accidents happen when the front ends of two vehicles crash directly into each other. The risk of these crashes increases significantly with impaired judgment. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to drift into oncoming traffic lanes and cause devastating head-on crashes.
- T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions: These accidents occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, typically at intersections. Impaired drivers are more likely to crash in this way when they ignore traffic signals, misjudge gaps in traffic, or fail to yield the right-of-way.
- Rollovers: A rollover accident involves a vehicle tipping over onto its side or roof. Oversteering, speeding, or taking sharp turns while driving under the influence can destabilize vehicles, especially taller ones like SUVs, and increase the chances of rollover wrecks.
- Pedestrian Accidents: In a pedestrian accident, a vehicle strikes a person walking on or near the roadway. Reduced visual acuity, decreased reaction time, and impaired judgment can make drunk drivers less likely to notice or respond appropriately to pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions.
Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
Drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions. The force of the collision, the speed at which it occurs, and numerous other factors can influence the type and severity of the resulting crash injuries.
Many drunk driving accidents cause severe injuries because impaired drivers are prone to behave erratically, overlook hazards, and get into high-speed collisions.
Here are some common injuries that result from drunk driving accidents:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Contusions
- Rib and torso injuries
- Punctured lungs
- Skull fractures
- Facial disfigurement
- Dental injuries
- Eye injuries
- Vision loss
- Dislocated joints
- Herniated discs
- Knee injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Crush injuries
- Neck injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Nerve damage
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Pelvic fractures
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
What to Do if You Get Hurt in a Holiday Drunk Driving Accident
Getting hurt in a drunk driving accident is a daunting ordeal that might leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. But you can take thoughtful and informed steps to protect your rights and access the resources you need to recover. No doubt you already got medical treatment or a checkup to determine whether the crash injured you.
Here’s what else you should do after a holiday drunk driving accident:
- Consult a Lawyer: Even if you think the drunk driver’s liability is obvious, you must still present a compelling case to recover the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can handle every aspect of the claims process and demand meaningful results on your behalf. They can even handle many of the following steps for you, allowing you the space and time to concentrate on your health.
- Document Your Injuries: Capture clear photos of all physical injuries at various angles and lighting conditions. These images can serve as valuable evidence of the trauma you suffered during claims or lawsuits. Also, document your post-accident recovery journey, from physical pain and medical visits to emotional difficulties, in a pain journal.
- Save All Medical Records: Every doctor’s visit, prescription, therapy session, or medical procedure should have accompanying documentation. These records can outline your recovery journey and the financial burden you’ve shouldered as a result.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer about the incident. While it’s important to make honest statements, watch what you say. Avoid admitting fault or making definitive statements without a lawyer’s counsel.
- Avoid Discussing the Accident: Outside of talking to legal and medical professionals, limit discussions about the incident. This includes public discussions and posts on social media. Other parties could easily misconstrue casual statements and potentially use them against you.
- Gather Witness Information: Witnesses can offer unbiased accounts of the incident to support your case. If any witnesses saw the drunk driving accident, gather their statements and contact details soon after the accident while their memories remain fresh.
- Track All Expenses: Maintain a detailed record of any expenses you incur due to the accident. This includes everything from prescription copays and vehicle repair expenses to incidentals like hospital transportation costs. Track any income losses you incur if you miss work while recovering, too.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Having a competent lawyer by your side is a game-changer while you focus on your recovery after a drunk driving accident. An attorney doesn’t just offer legal advice. They can take proactive steps to protect your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
A Phoenix personal injury lawyer can help you after an alcohol-related holiday accident by:
- Investigating the circumstances that led to the drunk driving accident
- Identifying all liable parties and potential sources of compensation
- Gathering and preserving critical evidence to support your claim
- Evaluating medical records to ascertain the full extent of your injuries
- Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists to solidify your case
- Securing expert testimony from medical and financial professionals
- Interviewing witnesses to corroborate your account of the incident
- Drafting and submitting all necessary legal documentation
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Identifying and countering low-ball settlement offers
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
- Challenging any attempts to undermine your claim
- Crafting compelling arguments to present to a judge or jury
- Ensuring you understand your rights and legal options at every stage
- Coordinating with healthcare providers to defer billing until after you settle
- Shielding you from the stress of direct interactions with the at-fault party