The holiday season brings joy and celebration but also a heightened risk on our roads. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, two of the year's most festive nights, rank among the deadliest for impaired driving crashes. This December, National Impaired Driving Prevention Month serves as a powerful reminder: choosing a safe, sober ride can save lives.
In Tennessee, impaired driving crashes remain a significant concern during the holidays. The Tennessee Highway Patrol frequently increases enforcement during the holiday season, with checkpoints aimed at reducing the number of drunk driving crashes in areas like Nashville, Goodlettsville, and Hendersonville.
While stricter laws and education campaigns in the 1980s reduced alcohol-related crashes, impaired driving still causes one-third of U.S. traffic fatalities annually and claims over 13,000 lives each year.
Why is December a particularly dangerous month for impaired driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2018 and 2022, alcohol-impaired driving crashes claimed 4,759 lives during the holiday season. December 2022 alone recorded 1,062 deaths, with young drivers aged 21-34 making up 25% of impaired drivers in fatal crashes.
Nighttime crashes posed the greatest risk and December is the darkest time of the year. Drunk drivers accounted for 31% of fatal crashes between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., peaking at 45% between midnight and 2:59 a.m. Male drivers caused more fatal crashes while impaired, at 22%, compared to 16% for female drivers.
How can impaired driving accidents be prevented this holiday season?
Drunk driving accidents are 100% preventable during the holiday season and any other time of the year. It only requires responsible drinking, planning, and accommodation. Here are some tips that can help prevent crashes and save lives:
Plan ahead for safe transportation
Prevent impaired driving by planning ahead. If you plan to drink, arrange for a sober ride home. Use ride-sharing apps, taxis, or designated drivers to ensure everyone gets home safely. Hosting a holiday gathering? Encourage guests to stay overnight, provide options for safe transportation, and offer non-alcoholic beverage options.
Avoid drinking and driving at all costs
Commit to never drinking and driving. Even small amounts of alcohol impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Always hand over the keys if you’ve been drinking. Encourage friends and family to do the same and intervene if someone tries to drive impaired.
Promote awareness and responsibility
Raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Share reminders with loved ones and on social media about staying sober behind the wheel, especially during the holiday season.
Stay alert for signs of impairment
Stay vigilant for signs of impaired drivers, especially at night when the risk is higher. If you see a driver swerving, braking erratically, or behaving dangerously, report them to local law enforcement. Your call could save lives.
Support sobriety checkpoints
Advocate for and support local sobriety checkpoints and increased law enforcement during the holidays. These measures deter impaired driving and help officers identify dangerous drivers before serious catastrophes happen.
Lead by example
Be a role model by avoiding alcohol before driving and encouraging others to do the same. Offer support to anyone hesitant about finding a safe way home, reinforcing that impaired driving is never worth the risk.
Despite these preventive measures, some drivers still make reckless choices that lead to tragic consequences. For victims of drunk driving accidents, knowing your legal rights and taking action can be critical to achieving justice and financial recovery.
Get an experienced Nashville drunk driving accident lawyer on your side
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you need an experienced law firm on your side. The Law Office of Eric Beasley fights for victims of reckless behavior to secure justice and compensation. With over 20 years in Nashville, Eric Beasley has built a reputation for earning trust and delivering results. We fight for the best outcome, whether negotiating or going to court. For instance, in one case, we recovered $850,000 in a wrongful death claim involving a drunk driver.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. In your free consultation, we’ll review your impaired driving car accident, explain your potential legal options, and outline the next possible steps in your claim.
To learn more about how we can help after being injured in a drunk driving accident, contact us online or call us today for your free consultation.
“Eric took a situation that seemed hopeless and turned it into a win. He has a way of putting your mind at ease in the courtroom and making you laugh and feel comfortable when you need it most. I highly recommend Eric!” - TC of Hendersonville, Tennessee
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