DUI Accidents During the Holidays

Posted by & filed under drunk driving injury, The Travis Law Firm Blog.

Drunk Driving Accidents During the Holiday Season

The holiday season has already begun, and the number of drunk driving accidents and arrests has increased. That is due to the number of people who fail to take precautions after drinking at a holiday meal or while visiting friends and family. Let’s look at some of the statistics that show the holiday season can be very dangerous as well as enjoyable.

The Travis Law Firm in Erie, Pennsylvania

The Travis Law Firm has helped numerous clients recover the financial damages lost when a drunk driver causes an accident. We firmly believe that no one should pay both financially or physically for another’s mistake. We also take umbrage that drunk drivers keep people from enjoying the holiday season. 

If a drunk driver caused you harm or if they were responsible for a loved one’s death, we are here to help you. Call (814) 277-2222 to set up a free review of your case. We will be able to answer your questions, learn about your case and provide you with the options you have moving forward. If it is easier for you, contact us online.

The December Stats

During December, which is actually National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, the following statistics ring true:

  • About 33 percent of all accidents that occur during the holiday season involve someone driving while inebriated.
  • Most people drink twice as much during the holidays.
  • People between the ages of 21-34 are more likely to drive drunk.
  • A quarter of all drunk driving accidents occur on high-speed roadways.
  • In December, close to 25 people die daily in drunk driving accidents.

Lies Drivers Tell Themselves

Many drivers believe the effects of alcohol will lessen if they drink enough coffee. That is not true. It will not allow you to drive any better, be more cognitively able to operate a vehicle, or maintain your lane. It also will not lower the blood alcohol concentration, so if you are pulled over, a Breathalyzer test or blood test will still show you are inebriated. 

Drivers also tell themselves they will sober up if they eat. While in some respects that is true, the amount of alcohol in their system will not change. Only time and sobriety do that.

Some drivers also tell themselves they did not mean to hurt or kill the passengers in the other vehicle. With the public announcements against drunk driving, it is impossible not to know that the inebriated driver hurts others. In addition, many drunk drivers are second offenders and faced severe penalties the first time around. 

Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident

A drunk driver who has an accident hurting others is liable for the financial cost of their damages. In fact, many such accidents are due to reckless or egregious acts. Not only can your accident lawyer ask for compensatory damages, which include medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering, but they can also request punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and are usually much higher monetarily than compensatory damages. 

The Travis Law Firm

The staff and lawyers at the Travis Law Firm wish all those living in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area the happiest of holidays. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents can and do happen. If you are injured in a drunk driving accident or lost a loved one, call us for help at (814) 277-2222. We offer compassionate advice on how to proceed during our free case review.