Motorists have a responsibility to drive safely. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only highly illegal in Texas, but it is also extremely dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk of an accident. Unfortunately, intoxicated driving is more common on certain days of the year compared to others. Certain holidays can be very dangerous for driving due to a high number of impaired drivers on the road.
#1: Christmas
In general, winter holidays can be very dangerous for drivers on the road. Christmas is especially risky, as many people spend the day drinking and celebrating with family and friends. While attempting to go home, impaired drivers can get behind the wheel, leading to serious collisions. In December 2019 alone, 837 people lost their lives in drunk driving accidents.
#2: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
New Year’s Eve is another holiday that is popular for alcohol consumption, and many people attend parties and gatherings without responsible plans to come home. This dangerous behavior can carry over to the next day, resulting in severe and dangerous accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk-driving deaths peak during the Christmas and New Year holiday periods. In 2019, 210 deaths related to drunk driving occurred during this time of year.
#3: Thanksgiving
During the week of Thanksgiving, many people drive far distances to visit family. Many spend the week attending various gatherings and catching up with old friends. During Thanksgiving dinner, alcohol is often consumed. As a result, Thanksgiving can be a very dangerous driving holiday.
According to the NHTSA, nearly 800 people died in motor vehicle accidents involving drunk drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend between 2015–2019. In fact, 135 drivers who were involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve, which is popularly known as Drinksgiving or Blackout Wednesday, were under the influence of alcohol.
#4: Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is a popular holiday for Texans to host outdoor gatherings, drink alcohol, and celebrate with friends and family. However, many irresponsible people still get behind the wheel after attending these patriotic celebrations.
According to the NHTSA, 1,339 drivers died in motor vehicle crashes during the Fourth of July holiday between 2015–2019. Of these drivers, a sobering 39% of them were under the influence of alcohol.
#5: St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is another holiday that is known for excessive amounts of alcohol consumption and raucous celebrations. Many people fail to arrange safe rides home following these gatherings, leading to a high concentration of drunk drivers on the road. Data from NHTSA found that 60 people died in drunk driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday in 2016.
Speak to a McAllen Car Accident Attorney
Safe, defensive driving can help protect yourself from unexpected hazards on the road. However, thousands of dangerous, negligent, and impaired drivers get behind the wheel every year, causing severe accidents. If you are in a collision with a drunk driver, you need an attorney on your side.
An attorney can help you hold the drunk driver accountable for your losses and secure the compensation that you need to recover. After your accident, contact a McAllen car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
