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Every year in the United States, drunk driving accidents result in the deaths of over 10,000 individuals. Around holidays, when social binge drinking happens more frequently, your chances of being engaged in an alcohol-related crash rise. All drunk driving fatalities are avoidable, and tragically, holiday-related fatalities have started to become uncannily predictable.

It is in your best interest to speak with an expert drunk driving attorney to learn about your legal options if you or someone you love was hurt in a drunk driving accident or if a loved one died as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic drunk driving accident.

We have gathered the most compelling holiday drunk driving statistics from throughout the nation, mostly collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (also known as NHTSA), to better understand the trends associated with holiday drinking and driving. We will also explore some DUI and DWAI Colorado-specific statistics as well.

The Current State of Holiday Drunk Driving in the United States

Every day, drunk driving is a concern on our country’s highways, but the holidays are when it happens most frequently. 2018’s New Year’s and Christmas holidays saw 285 fatalities due to drunk driving. All of these fatalities might have been avoided. 10,511 persons lost their lives in drunk driving accidents in 2018, which is about one-third of all collision deaths. The sorrow of these losses is felt all year long, but for many people, the holidays are when it is felt most keenly.

According to the National Safety Council (or NSC), one of the major road safety concerns in the United States is drunk driving. According to the organization’s research, the number of fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired driving rose to 11,654 in 2020, up from 10,196 in 2019, a 14.3% rise, and the highest number since 2009. At least one motorist or motorcycle operator in a drunk auto accident had a blood alcohol content (or BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.

The Law Surrounding Drunk and Intoxicated Driving

Drug-impaired driving is considered illegal in all fifty states, much like drunk driving. In 2017, positive drug tests came back for 45% of the drivers who died in fatal collisions. Drugged driving is dangerous for drivers, passengers, and other road users regardless of how the substance was obtained.

According to Colorado law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated, high, or when one’s judgment is otherwise compromised. Although DUI or DWAI can be established in other ways, blood tests and breathalyzers are frequently used in the enforcement of drunk driving legislation. A defendant’s ability to operate a vehicle was likely affected by alcohol if their blood alcohol content was more than 0.05 but less than 0.08 at the time of the alleged offense or within a reasonable period of time afterward. A defendant may be presumed to have been drunk if their blood alcohol content is 0.08 or above.

The reduction in alcohol-related fatalities on American roadways is the result of a number of initiatives, including minimum drinking age regulations and high visibility policing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 1975 to 2017, the implementation of minimum drinking age rules prevented more than 31,000 fatalities.

Preventing Drunk or Intoxicated Driving During the Holidays

Make wise decisions and prepare a safe return route home after the celebration if you have a holiday gathering on the agenda. Make a pledge to be sober at all times if you’re the designated driver to protect your friends and yourself. If you encounter a drunk driver on the road, call your local police department right away. The life of the driver, the passenger, and other people on the road might be saved by doing this. The greatest present you could ever offer a buddy who is ready to drive while intoxicated is to take away their keys and assist them in making plans to get home safely.

Since the start of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the NHTSA has seen that drivers are choosing riskier actions when operating a vehicle, such as driving after intoxication. Make it a goal to always drive sober when the year comes to an end and a new one begins, or around any holiday when drinking may be encouraged.

How Does Colorado Look in the Context of Holiday Drunk Driving?

Some occasions, like New Year’s Eve, may be associated with excessive drinking and partying around the United States. However, according to collision investigation data gathered by the Colorado State Patrol between 2019 and 2021, Labor Day was the most hazardous holiday for injury and mortality automobile wrecks brought on by drunk drivers in Colorado. Through early October, the number of DUI arrests remains largely constant. The Colorado State Patrol detained 4,665 drunk drivers in 2021, with more than 35% of those incidents taking place in the four months from May to August.

The “Stay in Your Lane” year-long campaign by Colorado State Troopers continues its low-tolerance policy toward lane violators. This campaign is intended to serve as a reminder to drivers to adjust their lane position to the conditions of the road. Additionally, it seeks to spread awareness of three of the most prevalent and preventable actions that result in car accidents or traffic citations: hostile driving, driving without paying attention, and drunk driving.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving around the holidays or have been negatively affected by a drunk driving accident, it is absolutely vital to seek out the best DUI law firm Denver has to offer. Denver, CO DUI lawyers can better assess your case and help you get the best possible results.

Trust a Denver Drunk Driving Lawyer to Represent You From The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC

Are you in need of Denver, CO DUI lawyers that have the experience and nuance to fight for your DWAI Colorado case? The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC is the ideal DUI law firm Denver has to offer for your unique case.

The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC is a highly regarded Denver DUI law practice with national recognition. By utilizing our aggressive litigation approach and putting our considerable experience in all facets of DUI defense to use, we have established a solid reputation as unyielding, successful Denver DUI attorneys. With more than ten years of expertise and a thorough understanding of Colorado DUI laws, Denver drunk driving lawyer Steven J. Pisani can help you get the best result for your drunk driving accusation.

Don’t delay if you have been accused of DUI; time is of the essence. Our staff at The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC has assisted many people facing DUI accusations. Protect yourself and your future with the aid of our DUI attorneys in Denver. To schedule an initial consultation, contact our company by phone at (303) 529-2825 or online via our contact form. We’ll fight to get your case dropped or to get the damages you deserve after being involved in a drunk driving car accident.

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