With Christmas approaching in just a matter of days, the holiday rush is in full swing. Most of us are out and about, traveling to visit family and friends, shopping for last-minute gifts and food or partying.
Amidst the excitement, people are a little more preoccupied and careless than usual, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Among the major causes of injury, this time of the year is impaired driving.
Drunk driving and Christmas fatalities
Car travel remains the primary mode of transportation for journeying across the country to spend the holidays with loved ones. Apart from slippery roads, there are other hazards to watch for when driving: impaired drivers.
As this is a time for merriment, there is an increase in alcohol consumption which gives rise to drunk driving. A 2022 report from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) highlights the pervasiveness of this issue. The month of December has the highest number of crashes involving impaired drivers.
Although December brings cheer, the season is not an excuse to forego safe driving practices. If you know you’ll be consuming alcoholic beverages, plan ahead and appoint a designated driver to take you home. On the other hand, if you are hosting a gathering, prevent guests who’ve consumed alcohol from getting behind the wheel.
It is difficult to tell if another driver is drunk or distracted, but more so when you are too. Don’t let a car accident hamper your holiday celebrations. Keeping yourself and others safe by remaining responsible on the road can go a long way.