Tis the Season for Drunk Drivers on the Road

The Christmas and New Year’s season is one of the happiest times of the year – but it also can be one of the most dangerous because of drunk drivers. An increased risk comes from a combination of factors that include impairment from alcohol and drugs coupled with a higher incidence of drowsy driving, according to the National Road Safety Foundation.

In 2023, 12,429 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved alcohol-impaired drivers, representing nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States for the year. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Christmas and New Year’s Eve were especially dangerous, with more drunk-driving fatalities than during any other holiday.

Male drivers are almost four times more likely as female drivers to drive drunk. In December 2023, drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (22 percent) compared to female drivers (18 percent). Young drivers aged 21 to 34 accounted for the highest percentage (27 percent of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in December 2023.

The financial impact of impaired driving crashes is enormous, causing more than $58 billion every year in property damage, medical expenses and lost work time A DUI can cost more than $10,000 in fines, attorney fees and higher insurance rates for years

Drugs, both legal and illegal, are another big factor in fatal crashes. Even in states where marijuana is now legal, it is against the law to drive while impaired. Some prescription drugs also can cause impairment or drowsiness, so it is important to check labels and be aware of possible side effects before driving.

Because fatigue also is a factor in many holiday crashes, the foundation urges drivers to be alert to signs of drowsiness while driving:

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, rubbing eyes;
• Daydreaming or not remembering the last few miles driven;
• Head snaps, nodding and yawning;  and
• Drifting out of your lane, tailgating or hitting rumble strips.

If you experience any of these warning signs, find a safe place to pull over and take a break. Have a cup of coffee or a caffeinated snack, or take a 20-minute nap. Allow 30 minutes for caffeine to enter your bloodstream. Common “remedies” such blasting the radio or opening the car windows are not effective at preventing drowsiness while driving.

–Alan  Goforth