Fatal Accidents Due to DUI Increase During the Holidays 
It has become commonplace to celebrate the holiday season by gathering with friends, family, and loved ones over dinner and a few drinks. However, after the festivities, many people will get behind the wheel and drive home after consuming alcohol. According to a report from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "Over the past five years, an average of 300 people died in drunk driving crashes the week between Christmas and New Year." Although traffic fatalities involving drunk drivers increase over the holidays, this does not mean you must avoid drinking completely.
Precautions you can take to avoid being involved in a fatal car accident:
- Take an Uber home - studies have shown that Uber has helped decrease the frequency of collisions involving drunk drivers. By taking an Uber home instead of getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, you can avoid putting yourself -- and others -- at risk.
- Find a designated driver - if taking an Uber home isn't an option in your area, you can avoid the risk of being involved in a collision by finding a designated driver. This driver should be dedicated to staying sober throughout the night so that they can safely operate a vehicle.
- Stay the night - if you know you are too intoxicated to drive, it may be best to stay at a trusted friend's or relative's place. While it may feel like an inconvenience in some cases, it's a much better alternative to being involved in a fatal car accident.
If a person decides to consume alcohol and drive, they put themselves and others on the road at risk. If an intoxicated driver causes you or someone you love harm this holiday season, you have the right to hold them accountable for their poor decisions. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer could help you secure compensation for your pain, medical expenses, lost wages, damage to your vehicle, and other losses.
The holidays should be spent spreading cheer with friends and family, not worrying about the impact of a devastating car accident. If you or someone you love has suffered injury from a car accident due to an intoxicated driver, you have the right to pursue legal action. At
Hach & Rose, LLP, our experienced attorneys will be ready to help you hold the negligent party accountable if they chose to drink and drive and hurt you. Contact us at
212-779-0057 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your rights today.