Have Drunk Drivers Become a Threat to the Holiday Season?

Every year in the United States, thousands of people are killed or injured in drunk driving accidents during holiday travelling and just as many are arrested. Federal Bureau of Investigation crime statistics show that 1,166,824 Americans were arrested last year for drinking and driving. San Diego is no stranger to this problem, with over 15,000 DUI arrests in 2011. Holiday celebrations usually involve a lot of socializing and large amounts of alcoholic beverages, and for this reason, holidays have a higher level of DUI related arrests and car accidents.

Drunk Driving Statistics Show an Out of Control Problem

During Labor Day festivities earlier this year, San Diego law enforcement arrested 1,043 people on suspicion of a DUI over the course of one weekend. Data released every year by non-profits and businesses like Alcohol Monitoring Systems (AMS) further solidify the argument that drunk driving increases during the holiday season. AMS reports that drinking and driving will increase by 33 percent over the course of the next two months and 155 percent on New Year’s Day. Centers for Disease Control statistics predict that over 700 people will be injured or killed every day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day in drunk driving accidents.

What You Can Do to Help Others and Help Yourself

Fortunately, there are steps people can take to avoid the stiff criminal penalties and potential health hazards that come with drinking and driving around the holiday season. Public transportation has changed dramatically in the last decade, including services that can be summoned to pick people up using a smartphone application. Uber, being the most widely known example, is available in San Diego. Taking a bus or a cab, or if you are feeling classy, a town car or a limousine, can save your life and other lives. Remember that large quantities of alcohol can impair judgment, so put a plan together before you go out for the evening and decide beforehand how you are going to get home. Whether it is a designated driver or a decked out limousine, make sure your ride home is not in the backseat of a police car or ambulance.

Bonnici Law Group is an experienced personal injury attorney who takes pride in helping the people of San Diego. To learn more about us, visit our Facebook page.

Bonnici Law Group, APC – San Diego Personal Injury Attorney

Did You Know?: According to Centers for Disease Control Statistics, 10,322 people were killed in alcohol-impaired car accidents.