The holidays are a time for fun, celebration, and spending time with the people we love. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when impaired driving increases, putting thousands of lives at risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has worked to educate the public about the risk of driving under the influence with their long-standing “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This effort reminds everyone to make smart choices and avoid driving under the influence, especially during the holiday season when the risks are highest.
Tario & Associates, P.S. has over 40 years’ experience representing victims of drunk driving car accidents. When you have been seriously injured because of an impaired driver, you may need a legal advocate who will fight for the settlement you deserve. We offer free consultations and no up-front fees. Contact us today!
Drunk Driving on the Rise
Drunk driving has always been a significant problem, but more people are choosing to drink and drive since the Covid pandemic. In December 2022, 1,062 people lost their lives in drunk driving crashes—the highest number since 2007. Over the five years from 2018 to 2022, more than 4,750 people died in alcohol-related crashes during December alone.
These numbers are heartbreaking, especially because they were entirely preventable deaths. The consequences of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated are devastating, not just for the impaired driver but also for their passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
Drug-Impaired Driving
While alcohol is often the focus of impaired driving campaigns, drug-impaired driving is just as dangerous. Like drunk driving, it’s illegal in all 50 states. A study conducted by NHTSA between 2019 and 2021 found that among drivers who were seriously injured or killed in crashes, about 25 percent had THC—the active ingredient in marijuana—in their system. This data highlights the growing problem of driving under the influence of drugs and the risk that it causes for everyone on the road.
The problem isn’t just about illegal substances. Many people don’t realize that certain prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs can also impair their ability to drive safely. Always read medication labels and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to drive.
Why the Holidays Are Especially Dangerous
The number of impaired drivers increases during the holiday season for several reasons. Parties and celebrations often involve alcohol and when people don’t plan a safe way to get home and choose not to wait until they sober up, they end up driving impaired. In addition, the holidays can be stressful, which can lead people to make poor decisions, including using drugs or alcohol to cope.
Increased traffic is another factor. The combination of more people on the roads traveling to visit family and friends combined with more impaired drivers is a recipe for disaster.
How You Can Help Keep the Roads Safe
Staying safe this holiday season starts with personal responsibility. Never drive while impaired and stay alert for drivers acting erratically on the road. Also, make sure that friends and family do not drive while impaired.
The holidays should be a time of celebration, not tragedy. By making responsible choices and encouraging others to do the same, we can help reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road. NHTSA’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign serves as a powerful reminder that safety should always come first. Let’s work together to ensure this holiday season is filled with joy and not heartbreak.
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 people injured in 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!
