Holidays Bring Higher Risk of Impaired Driving Crashes
Kansas motorists reminded to driver sober this holiday season.
The holiday season in Kansas can be a special time of year. However, it is also a time when car accidents caused by drunk drivers become more frequent. To combat this issue and prevent collisions caused by impaired drivers during the holiday season, several organizations have taken proactive steps.
"Two of the most celebrated dates in December – Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve – are also among the most dangerous," says Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which "is teaming up with law enforcement agencies across the country throughout the month of December" to prevent drunk driving accidents.
MADD, others raise awareness about drunk driving
MADD, along with the National Safety Council (NSC) and the National Road Safety Foundation, is actively involved in promoting National Impaired Driving Awareness Month in December. These organizations share a common message: planning ahead is essential when celebrating with loved ones during the holidays. This includes:
- Designating a sober driver if you intend to consume alcohol at a gathering.
- Utilizing a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft for a safe ride home if a designated driver is unavailable.
- Arranging overnight accommodations if you are not in a sober state to drive safely.
It is crucial to note that impaired drivers should expect increased police presence on the roads during the holiday season. This heightened enforcement is part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, a nationwide initiative led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Holiday drunk driving statistics
MADD and other organizations are committed to their efforts to combat drunk driving during the holidays because the statistics paint a grim picture. The prevalence of injuries and fatalities resulting from these accidents remains a significant concern.
Between 2017 and 2021, there were 4,500 car accident fatalities attributed to impaired drivers nationwide during December, as indicated by NHTSA accident data. Even more alarming is the fact that the most recent year within that period, December 2021, saw 1,013 traffic fatalities across the country, marking the highest number of fatalities in recent years.
Furthermore, the financial repercussions of drunk driving accidents are staggering. These incidents annually cost society over $44 billion, including expenses such as property damage, medical bills, and lost wages, according to NHTSA reports.
What to do if you get hit by a drunk driver in Wichita, KS
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being hit by a drunk driver in Wichita, KS, it's crucial to take the right steps to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
At Warner Law Offices, our attorneys are here to protect your rights and guide you through this challenging process. We have a proven track record of helping victims of drunk driving accidents obtain the compensation they need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Our dedicated legal team will investigate the details of your case, gather evidence, and work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable. We understand the nuances of personal injury law in Kansas and will fight vigorously to secure a favorable outcome for you.
Don't face the aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone. Contact Warner Law Offices today for a free consultation, and let us help you find your way forward.