Drunk Driving Accidents In Florida During The Holidays Focus Of Campaign

Central Florida motorists reminded to ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.’

December can be a festive time of year in Florida. It’s also one of the most dangerous times for motorists in The Sunshine State, primarily due to the prevalence of drunk drivers. One of the main reasons why so many car accidents happen in Florida in December is due to impaired driving.

“Two of the most celebrated dates in December – Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve – are also among the most dangerous,” noted Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which for decades now has been warning people about the dangers of drunk driving during the holidays.

December is ‘Impaired Driving Prevention Month’

For the 39th consecutive year, MADD has officially designated December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Collaborating with the National Safety Council (NSC) and the National Road Safety Foundation, MADD's mission is to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving during the holiday season.

“The year-end holiday period from Thanksgiving through New Year's is always one of the most dangerous times on U.S. roads and highways,” according to the National Road Safety Foundation, which noted that “the increased risk comes from a combination of factors that include impairment from alcohol and drugs.”

The National Road Safety Foundation acknowledges that the period from Thanksgiving through New Year's is consistently one of the most hazardous times on U.S. roads, attributing this increased risk to a combination of factors, including impairment from alcohol and drugs.

Tragically, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for every December from 2017 to 2021 reveals that drunk drivers were responsible for fatal car accidents resulting in 4,500 deaths. In December 2021 alone, drunk drivers caused 1,013 car accident fatalities across the country.

Florida drunk driving statistics

The issue of drunk driving accidents during the holidays is a nationwide concern, but it is particularly pronounced in Florida. According to a study conducted by ValuePenguin, Florida ranks as the third-worst state for drunk driving fatalities during Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Specifically, the study based on NHTSA data reveals that between 2010 and 2018, 110 individuals lost their lives in drunk driving accidents on Christmas in Florida, with an additional 90 fatalities occurring on Thanksgiving during the same period.

What's even more concerning is that the situation has deteriorated since 2018. In 2021, Florida experienced a staggering 1,019 deaths in drunk driving accidents, marking the highest annual toll in the past decade.

This alarming trend is substantiated by accident data compiled by the NHTSA and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), which indicates a 43.7 percent increase in drunk driving fatalities in Florida between 2012 and 2021.

What can Florida drivers expect during ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’?

Collaborating with MADD, the NHTSA is at the forefront of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign this month.

This nationwide monthlong initiative engages state and local police across all states, with a dual mission of educating drivers about the dangers of drunk driving and enforcing each state's drunk driving laws.

As part of this program, heightened police patrols will be active on Florida's roads and nationwide throughout the month.

Take personal responsibility this holiday season

Preventing drunk driving isn't solely the responsibility of law enforcement; it's a collective duty, as emphasized by MADD. A recent MADD announcement underscores the importance of personal responsibility during the holiday season, urging individuals to plan for a safe ride home before festivities commence.

This entails designating a sober driver, utilizing transportation options like taxis, buses, trains, or rideshare apps such as Uber, and if you're hosting, providing festive non-alcoholic beverages as an alternative for your guests.

Furthermore, MADD and other organizations stress the significance of immediate action if you encounter a driver who appears impaired. They encourage sober drivers to promptly contact the police, a proactive step that can potentially save lives and prevent a drunk driving accident from occurring in the first place.

Contact a car accident lawyer if you were hit by a drunk driver

If you or a loved one was injured a collision involving a drunk driver in Central Florida, it's critical to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can listen to what happened and explain your potential legal options.

At the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A., we understand the unique challenges associated with such cases. Our legal team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate the aftermath of the accident and recover the compensation you deserve under Florida law.

Take your accident seriously right from the start and schedule a free consultation with our law firm. We have offices in Tavares, Inverness, Clermont, and The Villages, and we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs, and you pay no fees unless we win you case. Contact us today to learn more.