December is a time to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. However, it's also a time when more people will likely consume alcoholic beverages. Sadly, some of those people will then get behind the wheel and put themselves and others in danger. That's why December has been designated as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving caused 13,524 road deaths across the United States in 2022. In December alone, 1,062 people died in alcohol-related crashes. This marks the highest number of December drunk driving deaths since 2007. Additionally, between 2018 and 2022, December saw over 4,750 drunk driving deaths.
How are Texas officials responding to the holiday drunk driving crash risk?
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, especially during this festive time. It results in one in four traffic deaths in Texas, and the ratio typically increases to 28% during the holiday season. A Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) survey revealed that most people who admitted to drinking and driving did so after leaving a friend's house.
In response, TxDOT has launched its "Drive Sober. No Regrets" campaign to address this issue head-on. TxDOT will visit Walmart stores with an interactive mobile exhibit to engage shoppers and highlight the deadly risks of drunk driving.
Drunk driving crashes spike this time of year
In 2023, drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving weekend and holiday season claimed 126 lives and left 272 Texans with serious injuries, according to TxDOT.
"We have a problem in Texas, and with the festivities coming up, so does impaired driving," said TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Blanca Treviño-Castro.
Treviño-Castro is spearheading the "Drive Sober. No Regrets" initiative, urging Texans to think twice before driving under the influence. "We don't want people to have to deal with the tragedy because someone made the mistake of driving under the influence of alcohol," she explained.
How can Texas drunk driving crashes be prevented during the holiday season?
Drunk driving accidents aren't really "accidents." They occur when someone makes the conscious choice to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. As such, these crashes are completely avoidable by taking the following measures:
- Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
- Use taxis or rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft.
- Host responsibly by offering non-alcoholic drinks and ensuring guests have a safe ride home.
- Avoid getting behind the wheel if you've been drinking.
- Encourage friends and family to make safe choices.
- Report suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement.
Don't wait to get the legal help you need after a drunk driving crash
If you've been hit by a drunk driver in San Antonio, you deserve justice, support, and fair compensation. The San Antonio car accident lawyers at The Herrera Law Firm fight tirelessly for victims of drunk driving accidents. We know Texas laws and how to hold reckless drivers and other responsible parties accountable for their actions. That includes bars or establishments under Texas dram shop laws.
We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Your focus should be on healing while we handle all aspects of your claim. Let us build a strong case to get maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact us online or call our San Antonio law office today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best course of action.
