The holiday season is a time for celebrations and get-togethers, and many of them involve alcohol. Because of this, holidays tend to see higher rates of alcohol-related traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths than other days of the year. In Texas, crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) show that the state sees a marked increase in alcohol-involved car accidents during the holiday season.
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day 2013, there were:
- 2,387 auto accidents involving alcohol
- 763 serious injuries
- 92 deaths
These alarming statistics have motivated many safety officials to speak out about the dangers of drunk and impaired driving. TxDOT officials, for example, released a statement earlier this month urging residents throughout the state to celebrate safely during the holiday season. They are reminding motorists to drink responsibly before driving or to plan for a sober ride before drinking.
In addition to stressing the dangers of impaired driving during the holiday season, TxDOT officials also announced their Sober Ride Sleigh program. The sleigh – a limo wrapped to resemble a holiday present – will visit over a dozen Texas cities to educate residents about sober driving. Other efforts to raise awareness will include projects from the Texas Hospitality Association and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and local cities’ promotion of public transportation.
The TxDOT statement also served to warn motorists that law enforcement agencies will be on high alert for impaired motorists. Officers from multiple agencies will be cracking down by increasing DWI / DUI patrols and by conducting sobriety checkpoints at various locations and times that see the most alcohol-involved incidents. Many jurisdictions will also implement no-refusal breath test campaigns.
Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs has helped many victims and families injured in car accidents, including those caused by impaired drivers. Although their cases were all unique, they were also all preventable. We want to remind everyone about keeping our roadways safe this holiday season by driving sober or catching a ride. We also offer our services and support to any victim or family who wishes to learn more about their rights after being injured in an auto accident.
To request a free, personalized case review, contact our firm today.
