Deaths in motor vehicle accidents that occur during Christmas are caused by drunk drivers approximately 41 percent of the time. The New Year’s Holiday is no better, with 58 percent of deaths caused by drunk driving. At other times of the year, drunk driving causes approximately 29 percent of all traffic-related deaths, showing how important it is for families, friends and individuals to make plans for heading home after parties or events safely.
It’s been reported that 16 percent of adults say they drink more than normal during the holidays, and 50 percent admit that alcohol is present at their families’ celebrations. A shocking 96 percent of people say that they have gone to work hungover after a party or know someone who did.
How can people avoid this hike in serious accidents? The first thing is to consider keeping your holiday non-alcoholic. Egg nog, for instance, comes in an alcoholic form but also has a non-alcoholic version that you could choose instead. For those who drink due to holiday stress, consider taking up a hobby or finding another way to cope in a healthy manner.
Always have a plan for how you’re going to get home after you drink; whether you’re at a restaurant, bar or another person’s home, you should never drink and drive, even if the distance is short.
If you make a mistake and do get caught driving drunk, not all is lost. Everyone makes mistakes, and there are still ways to defend yourself. It may not have been a good decision, but you can protect your reputation and defend yourself from the charges against you.
Source: Scram Systems, “Sober Days for the Holidays Resource Center,” accessed Dec. 09, 2016