Understanding the dangers of drunk driving during the holiday season
December in Delaware means holiday festivities, gatherings, and, unfortunately, a noticeable rise in drunk driving accidents. Designated as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, December highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving, especially during high-risk occasions like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Drunk driving statistics
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of tragic accidents across the country, and Delaware is no exception. Just one drink can affect a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and motor skills, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Despite efforts to reduce drunk driving, it continues to be a serious concern. From January 1 to November 30, 2023, Delaware recorded 40 fatalities caused by drunk drivers.
Nationally, alcohol is a factor in one-third of all traffic deaths, contributing to 13,524 fatalities in 2022. Alarmingly, the National Safety Council reports that one in eight drivers admits to driving after drinking enough to approach or exceed the legal limit. These numbers are a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of prevention, especially during the holidays.
How Delaware is tackling impaired driving this holiday season
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal—it’s a deadly decision. To combat this danger, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety continues its commitment to keeping roads safe through Checkpoint Strikeforce, a six-month enforcement campaign that runs every weekend from July 1 to December 31. Now in its 15th year, this initiative targets impaired drivers with increased DUI checkpoints and patrols to prevent devastating accidents.
Drivers who fail field sobriety tests or exceed Delaware’s legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08 face significant penalties. To strengthen enforcement, Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) assist officers in identifying drug-impaired drivers. Delaware’s message is clear: the state has zero tolerance for impaired driving, even for first-time offenders.
This year, Checkpoint Strikeforce includes an enhanced public awareness campaign to deter impaired driving. Billboards, TV, radio, and digital ads emphasize the severe consequences of driving under the influence, reinforcing the goal of saving lives and stopping impaired driving before it starts.
What to do if you encounter a drunk driver
Despite increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns, impaired drivers still pose a serious risk during the holiday season. Knowing how to respond when you encounter a suspected drunk driver can help prevent accidents and save lives.
- Keep your distance: If you notice a driver swerving, braking erratically, or driving at inconsistent speeds, maintain a safe distance. Don’t try to overtake or engage with them.
- Take note of details: If it’s safe to do so, try to remember the vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate number, as well as the direction they’re traveling.
- Report to authorities: Call 911 and provide as much information as possible about the suspected drunk driver. Let law enforcement handle the situation—they are trained to safely stop and assess impaired drivers.
- Avoid risky times: Whenever possible, limit your time on the road late at night or during high-risk days like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when impaired driving incidents are more common.
Staying alert and proactive can help protect you and others on the road. However, if you or a loved one is injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to seek legal guidance to hold the responsible party accountable. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t face the aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone
The impact of a drunk driving accident can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. On top of these challenges, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Insurance adjusters often prioritize minimizing payouts over fairly compensating victims, even in cases where the at-fault driver was clearly impaired.
At Gill, Welsh, and Chamberlain, P.A., we know how to handle tough negotiations with insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced Delaware drunk driving accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather crucial evidence, and build a strong claim to hold negligent drivers accountable. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we’ll work tirelessly to maximize your recovery.
To see how we can help with your potential legal case, give us a call or contact us online. We’ll be glad to listen to your story, explain your potential legal options, and start building your strong case during a free consultation.