2 Holiday Don’ts – Drinking & DWIs

The fall/winter holidays are in full swing so it is a great time to talk about DWIs and how alcohol can ruin that fun holiday office party or get-together with friends and family. We found this great infographic over at scramsystem.com and thought it would make a great topic to frame the conversation for the drinking holiday season that is upon us. (Additional information was gathered from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Did You Know?

During the holidays, two to three times more people die in alcohol related car crashes and that 40% of traffic fatalities involved a driver impaired by alcohol. More specifically, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day 1,200 people will be killed and 25,000 injured in traffic accidents caused by alcohol.

Doing some quick math, that means 728 people will be injured or killed by a drive intoxicated on alcohol each day during the holiday season.

DWI Related Highway Deaths

Taking a quick look at the infographic we can see that during the Thanksgiving Holiday 40% of highway deaths are related to alcohol. That number lowers to 37% for Christmas time but then skyrockets to 58% of highway deaths are related to alcohol over New Year’s Holiday. To put that into comparison, during the rest of the year, 31% of highway deaths are related to alcohol.

DWI/DUI Violations Spike During The Holidays

Starting with the Thanksgiving Holiday, we see a 30% jump in violations for DUI offenders. That number slightly increase to 33% for Christmas eve but skyrockets for New Year’s Eve at a whopping 155% increase in violations for DUI offenders.

How Much Is Too Much?

You might not be alone when you feel hungover at work after a holiday party. 96% of surveyed adults admitted to going to work hungover after a holiday party or knowing someone who did.

60% of surveyed adults think alcohol in some amount makes parties more fun.

57% of surveyed adults have seen someone drive under the influence of alcohol.

40% of surveyed adults say they, their friends, and their family members use holidays as an excuse to drink.

What The Heck Is Blackout Wednesday?

Blackout Wednesday is often associated with binge drinking since few people work on Thanksgiving day and college/university students are home to celebrate the holiday season. It is interesting to note that Blackout Wednesday is especially prevalent in larger urban areas. It has even, in some areas, become a bigger drinking day in bars and restaurants than New Year’s Eve or St. Patrick’s Day. It also takes the unfortunate title of top drunk driving night of the year in some areas.

Why Should I Choose the Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski

Over the years Matthew has defended hundreds of Driving While Impaired cases both in District and Superior Courts throughout the state. As such, Matthew has the skill set and experience necessary to handle your DWI case. Give the Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski, PLLC a call today to discuss your case at (919) 619-3242 or visit our DWI page for more information