Injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents remain a significant concern in Washington State and around the country, where unintentional injuries remain the leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 45. In particular, individuals aged 15 to 29 years face a heightened risk of car accident fatalities.
While motor vehicle collisions are a year-round issue, certain periods witness an uptick in incidents, notably during holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. If you find yourself injured in a traffic collision over the holidays, it’s a good idea to contact a local car accident lawyer as soon as possible for legal guidance.
Car Accident Fatalities Increase on New Year’s Eve
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), holiday periods experience more road traffic-related fatalities compared to non-holiday seasons. This increase is attributed to factors like higher alcohol consumption, increased travel time, and elevated driving speeds.
According to data from the NHTSA, there were an average of 117 fatal accidents per day in 2022. By comparison, there were an average of 428 New Year’s holiday period traffic fatalities in 2019.
Drunk Driving Statistics during New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is a partying holiday, with a large percentage of people drinking alcohol to celebrate. Driving under the influence of alcohol compromises attention, motor skills, and decision-making. Approximately one-third of all roadside fatalities involve alcohol-impaired drivers (with a blood alcohol content of .08 g/dL or higher). Data spanning from 2010 to 2019 indicates an annual toll of over 10,000 fatalities due to drunk-driving crashes.
In 2019, alcohol-impaired fatalities were responsible for 28 percent of total road traffic deaths nationwide, increasing to 36 percent during the New Year’s Day holiday period.
With heightened alcohol consumption during New Year’s Eve gatherings, the risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident escalates significantly. Driving while impaired not only risks arrest but, more critically, poses a threat of causing serious injury or death. Designated drivers or taxis/Ubers play a crucial role in ensuring a safe commute. Staying sober, staying overnight, buckling up, and adhering to safe speeds can save lives and prevent injuries during the holiday season.
What To Do If You Are Hit By a Drunk Driver
Unfortunately, regardless of how cautiously one drives during the holidays, external factors such as other drivers’ actions remain unpredictable. If you sustain injuries in a vehicular accident caused by a drunk driver, contact a car accident attorney to ensure you get a full and fair settlement for your losses.
Tario & Associates, P.S. has over 40 years’ experience representing victims of drunk driving car accidents. When you have been seriously injured through no fault of your own, you may need a legal advocate who will fight for the settlement you deserve. Free consultations and no up-front fees make hiring a car accident lawyer the right choice for many victims. Contact us today!
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
