Law enforcement officers pull over countless drunk drivers every day and night. However, on some occasions see, the number of suspects significantly increases. Projections for this year could see the number grow to more than 13,000.
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have identified the specific days, weeks, and holidays for driving drunk throughout the United States. Another forecast sees nearly 13,500 deaths this year alone.
- From 2016 to 2021, DUI fatalities grew by 23 percent, numbers not seen since 2003.
- Fridays through Sundays account for 60% of drunk driving deaths
Seasonal trends
Summer alone could account for nearly one-third of fatalities. While the fall represents a significant change in seasons, the time of year is not far behind summer, accounting for 27 percent of deaths. Spring is at 24 percent, and winter is least likely for fatalities at 21 percent.
- New Year’s Day is the most dangerous holiday that sees drunk driving fatalities experience a spike of 117 percent above the baseline average, alarming considering that it is essentially a “one-day” event
- Independence Day lags behind, with the possibility of coming in contact with a drunk driver being 77 percent over the trend.
- Thanksgiving comes in third with 55 percent higher risks above the trend
- Labor Day ranks fourth at 54 percent
- Memorial Day is the fifth most dangerous for drunk drivers on the road, with risks 51 percent higher than average.
- Christmas Day ranks near the bottom at nine percent, unsurprising due to people staying home.
Breaking down specific days of the week from 2017 to 2021 sees first place going to Saturday, with Sunday not far behind. Tuesday is the least likely to have drunk drivers on the road.
Drunk driving is a severe criminal offense that carries serious and life-changing penalties. Help from an attorney can help to even the odds and secure the best possible outcome.
