When the holidays start, people naturally make plans to travel to visit family and friends. However, it can also put them at risk. Drunk driving tends to spike during the holidays, which is a problem on roadways in Alabama and across the nation. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 36 fatal car accidents related to drunk driving occur each day in the United States. The information their organization receives suggests that those numbers spike about a quarter on the days surrounding major holidays, such as Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. This means that anyone driving during those periods has an elevated risk of getting into a potentially fatal car crash.
Why Do People Drive Drunk More Often on Holidays?
One of the major reasons that intoxicated motorists slide behind the wheel during the holidays is that they have just been to celebrations featuring alcoholic beverages. Many parties and picnics feature a bar filled with everything from wine and spirits to beer and hard cider. Partygoers may not realize how much they consumed, particularly if they are busy drinking, eating appetizers, and socializing. This means that individuals who might not consider driving drunk could be more apt to think that they are sober enough to get themselves home. Nevertheless, even having a slight buzz can translate to drunk driving.
How Alabama Views Drunk Driving
Every state has its own laws related to driving under the influence (DUI). In Alabama, anyone over 21-years-old who has a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.08 percent or greater can be charged with a DUI. For newer drivers under 21-years-old, the percentage drops to 0.02. Someone who is merely behind the wheel and not driving can also be charged with a DUI. In other words, if the person has the keys and is in the driver’s seat, the motorist has the opportunity to drive. This alone makes them a possible danger, according to the state.
Lessening the Chances of Drunk Driving During the Holidays
Every person who gets in a car during the holidays has an obligation to self-evaluate for any signs of inebriation. People who expect to drink at get-togethers should ride in groups with a designated driver who agrees not to drink alcohol at the celebration. The designated driver can then take everyone home. Other ways to lower the chances of getting into a devastating car accident during the holidays include spending the evening at a host’s house or leveraging public transportation, such as a ridesharing serve or a taxi. The goal should be to have a memorable holiday without a drunk driving incident.
Huntsville Car Accident Attorneys at Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. Help Victims Injured in Drunk Driving Accidents
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, contact a Huntsville car accident attorney at Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. today. Call us at 256-539-3110 or fill out an online form for a free consultation. Located in Huntsville and Athens, Alabama, we serve clients throughout North Alabama, Madison County, Limestone County, Marshall County, Jackson County, Morgan County, and Lauderdale County.
