Motor vehicle collisions occur for all different reasons. Sometimes, drivers are too tired to drive safely. Other times, they become distracted by their mobile devices and cause preventable collisions. Drunk driving is also a top cause of preventable, serious collisions.
People may underestimate how much they’ve had to drink or overestimate their driving capabilities. They decide to drive home after drinking and put others at risk as a result. Impaired motorists make inappropriate decisions in traffic, have longer reaction times and may struggle to maintain control of their vehicles for optimal safety.
People can potentially encounter drunk drivers at any time and on any road. However, when looking at drunk driving statistics, there are certain patterns that become apparent. The risk of a drunk driving crash is noticeably higher at certain times as opposed to others. When are motorists the most likely to encounter drunk drivers who could cause collisions?
Around holidays, especially in the summer
Researchers have long noted a correlation between major federal holidays and an increase in drunk driving collisions. People with time off of work may overindulge. Many holiday celebration traditions involve alcohol, which also increases the risk of a wreck. The summer months see slightly more drunk driving crashes, especially around the holidays. The Fourth of July is consistently one of the most dangerous days for drunk driving. Memorial Day, Labor Day and even Juneteenth may also see many people drinking at parties and then trying to drive home.
Late at night
Data about the timing of drunk driving crashes also shows that late-night collisions are the biggest concern. Technically, drunk drivers could be out on the road at any time, including at 9:00 in the morning if they work a third-shift job. However, most drunk drivers are on their way home from a bar or party when they cause collisions. As such, the hours between midnight and 3:00 a.m. tend to be when crash risk is highest.
People who have to be on the road during times when there might be more drunk drivers present may need to watch their surroundings more carefully. Those involved in drunk driving collisions may need support as they pursue compensation. Insurance claims and lawsuits are often necessary for people trying to recover the expenses generated by drunk driving crashes.
