Drunk driving collisions are a constant safety concern. People never know when they might cross paths with someone who stayed out all night drinking or got started during lunch. Drunk drivers cause crashes late on Friday nights and in the middle of the day on Wednesdays.
However, there are certain trends that people can spot when looking at drunk driving collisions. There are specific times when the likelihood of encountering a drunk driver is higher than usual. Late at night, after bars closed for the evening, there may be more impaired motorists on the road headed home.
There are also times throughout the year when drunk driving risk is higher than others. According to nationwide crash statistics, the summer is the most dangerous season for drunk driving collisions, with July seeing the highest percentage of annual drunk driving crashes of any month. What factors contribute to increased risk during the summer?
1. Holiday celebrations
Most of the summer holidays inspire get-togethers where people drink. Alcohol has always been a staple at Memorial Day, Labor Day and Independence Day barbecues. Juneteenth has also begun gaining traction as a popular day to get together with friends and family.
All of those holidays may see an uptick in drunk driving. The holidays themselves and the weekends closest to them are particularly dangerous times to be on the road.
2. School break
High school and college students who are out of class for the summer may go on road trips and attend parties. Alcohol is a common feature at those social events, even if the celebrants are still underage. The increased presence of young drivers on the road puts people at increased risk of a drunk driving crash caused by youthful motorists.
3. Summertime travels
Parents with young children, those who enjoy outdoor sports and many others plan vacations during the summer months. Whether they visit the area from across the country or enjoy a local staycation, they may drink while off of work. People on vacation may feel as though they cannot rely on rideshare or taxi services because they don’t want to leave a rental car or their personal vehicle in an unfamiliar location.
Being aware that drunk driving risk may be higher during the summer months can help motorists better prioritize their safety. Those who do end up involved in impaired driving crashes may need help pursuing insurance compensation or a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver who caused the wreck. Motorists who break the law and make unsafe choices are typically responsible for the consequences of their decisions.
