The holiday season is a time for celebration and joy, and alcohol is a significant part of the festivities. Unfortunately, the combination of holiday cheer and drunk driving result in tragedy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), holiday drunk driving collisions result in an estimated 1,200 deaths and more than 25,000 injuries every year. The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that intoxicated motorists are involved in 40 percent of all traffic fatalities during Christmas and New Year’s.
The dangers of holiday drinking and driving start on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which is commonly referred to as “Blackout Wednesday” since the day is known for an increase in alcohol sales and an increase of people going out with friends before the big family gathering the following day. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 800 people died in car accidents throughout the long Thanksgiving weekend from 2012 to 2016.
The truth is people often drink more than usual during the holiday season. Based on an online survey by Caron Treatment Centers (non-profit provider of addiction and behavioral healthcare treatment), 50 percent of adults who participated said that alcohol is a factor in their family gatherings during the holidays. What is even more stunning is that 96 percent of adults went to work hungover after a party or know someone who did.
Due to the sobering statistics associated with the holiday season, law enforcement will take extra measures to arrest drunk drivers and keep the roads safe. If you do decide to drink and drive, not only do you risk being involved in a serious or fatal accident, but there is a high possibility that you may be arrested and charged with a DUI.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Connecticut, contact our experienced legal team at The Sills Law Firm and schedule a free consultation today.
