The holidays are often a time for celebration and spending time with loved ones. Because many people celebrate with alcoholic beverages during this time, there is typically an increase in intoxicated driving around the holiday season as well.
While it’s difficult to rank each holiday on a “most dangerous,” list, we want to discuss one of the most dangerous in terms of drunk driving accidents—New Year’s.
New Years Drunk Driving Statistics
Ringing out the New Year is something many of us love to do, but drunk driving during these celebrations remains prevalent on the road each year. Here are a few drunk driving accident-related statistics to put this in perspective:
Compared to the average night, there are 71% more crashes involving drugs or alcohol between 6 p.m. on December 31 and 6 a.m. on January 1
Individuals aged 21-24 are the most likely to be involved in a drunk driving accident
Between 2008 and 2012, New Year’s Day had the highest percentage of alcohol-related deaths than any other day of the year
On New Year’s Day in 2013, 140 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes
Why Police May Pull You Over
If you’re driving during this time, please keep in mind that police officers will have their eyes peeled for signs of intoxicated drivers. If they have probable cause, they may pull you over and give you a field sobriety test. Some telltale signs of drunk driving that they may look for include:
Quick acceleration or deceleration
Tailgating
Speeding
Erratic braking
Weaving or zigzagging across the road
Slow response to traffic signals
Hugging the center lane marker
Failing to obey traffic lights or signs
Failing to use headlights or blinkers
Driving unreasonably slow
Driving in the opposite lane of traffic
Defend Your Rights After a DUI Charge
At The Law Office of Justin Rosas, we understand that everyone makes mistakes, and we also believe in second chances. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a DUI during New Year’s celebrations or at any point, know that we have your back.
Our Medford legal team genuinely cares about helping individuals through their toughest times and ensuring that they receive the best possible outcome, which may include a reduced sentence or charges completely dropped.
Turn to a team you can count on. Contact our firm at (541) 933-5972 to start your defense.