We’re right in the thick of the holiday season. This means more time traveling, socializing, and for many people, drinking. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s sees a large spike in DUI arrests as a result of holiday celebrations. Let’s discuss what you should know about the frequency of DUI this holiday season.
December DUI Statistics
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, but there are still a significant number of accidents that occur due to drunk driving throughout this month.
- About 25 people are killed in alcohol-related crashes each day in December.
- Drivers aged 21 to 34 are most likely to drive while impaired and get injured in December.
- The average American will double their drinking habits on holidays.
- Nearly one-third of all car accidents that occur in the Christmas and New Year’s periods are drunk-driving-related.
- Holiday DUI accidents happen on highways over 25% of the time.
- Florida has the third-highest amount of DUI fatalities over the winter holidays.
Know The Myths
Protect yourself from a DUI charge and accident this holiday season by knowing the myths about DUI.
- Coffee won’t sober you up: while the coffee might help you perk up from the depressive effects of alcohol, it won’t make you any less impaired, or lower your BAC.
- BAC isn’t an exact science: one drink per hour is the guideline that many people follow. However, everyone’s body will process alcohol differently based on personal factors. Your BAC may not be as low as you’d think after two drinks.
- Beer, wine, liquor…: what alcohol you drink won’t have any impact on your BAC score. It’s all about the standard drink size.
- Eating after drinking: it’s a good idea to start the night with a full stomach. However, eating as an attempt to lower your BAC score and sober up won’t work.
Celebrating The Holidays Without Incident
If you’re going to be partaking in the eggnog and mulled cider this December, make sure you are with, or can call, a sober driver who will bring you back home.
We understand that, when faced with getting home at the end of the night, some people choose the seemingly most convenient option of driving themselves – even if they’ve been drinking. If you or a loved one is charged with DUI this holiday season, know that Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is here to provide judgment-free legal defense.
We hope you all have a fantastic and safe holiday season!