The holiday season is not always a joyful time of year. Because of drunk drivers, it can be deadly. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are hundreds of drunk driving accidents during the holidays every year. It is absolutely crucial to educate yourself and be careful during the holidays because of the severity of alcohol-related car crashes.
Despite the fact that the holiday season should be a time of giving and thinking about others, some people drive drunk and put you and your loved ones in danger. Here are a few facts you should know about drunk driving collisions during the holidays.
Holiday Drunk Driving Statistics
Numbers from the DOT can put things into perspective:
- Nearly 4,000 people died in drunk-driving wrecks in December between 2012 and 2016.
- 781 individuals lost their lives in December of 2016 because of drunk drivers.
- An average of 300 people dies in DUI accidents every year.
Statistics like these can be scary, but there are some actions you can take to stay safe.
A Guide to Spotting Drunk Drivers
One of the best ways to avoid being a victim in a drunk-driving collision is by knowing how intoxicated motorists behave. Signs of alcohol impairment include:
- Turning suddenly or illegally
- Inability to stay within a lane
- Making unusually wide turns
- Failing to use headlights in the dark
- Braking suddenly
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Driving too slowly
- Reacting slowly to traffic lights
If you witness a driver exhibiting any troubling behaviors, keep your distance and call 911 when you are safely pulled over.
What to Do If a Drunk Driver Hits You
Unfortunately, getting into an auto accident with a drunk driver during the holiday season is a real possibility. If you are in a drunk-driving crash, make sure you contact the police, seek medical assistance and consider taking legal action. These steps help you recover physically and financially from a DUI crash.
If you have a case, contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you.