National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Observed in December
In recognition of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, December is an ideal time to address the dangers of impaired driving and its heartbreaking outcomes. The holiday season will be filled with festive gatherings and celebrations. However, it also brings a sharp rise in alcohol-related car accidents.
Every year, drunk driving shatters thousands of lives. Despite measures to reduce drunk driving over the last few decades, the problem still persists. In 2022, drunk driving resulted in 13,524 traffic fatalities across the United States. That's one person every 39 minutes. So, how common is drunk driving? To put it into perspective, one in eight drivers has admitted to operating a vehicle after consuming enough alcohol to approach or exceed the legal limit.
How is New Hampshire combating drunk driving this holiday season?
Reckless, impaired, or distracted drivers should expect no leniency this holiday season as patrols intensify across the region. New Hampshire already stepped up efforts to combat drunk and distracted driving on Thanksgiving with strict enforcement measures along I-95. Drivers pulled over on this stretch faced immediate consequences, according to Governor Chris Sununu. We can expect to see similar efforts during the December holiday season.
"If you get pulled over, you are getting a ticket," Sununu said. "We want that enforcement to be strong. We want the visibility to be out there, and we want everybody to take their role and responsibility in ensuring that not just them and their families, but their kids and their neighbors and even the strangers that pass them on the road, everybody needs to get where they need to be safe."
New Hampshire State Police Lieutenant Christopher Storm urges drivers to "make a plan" before having a drink during a holiday celebration. "Designate a sober driver to get you home safely. If you wait until you’ve had a drink, you may make not the best decision," he said.
New Hampshire has experienced a concerning rise in traffic fatalities, including a staggering 200% increase in young driver deaths compared to last year. According to Lieutenant Storm, traffic deaths in the state have already reached last year’s total of 127. The year isn't even over yet.
State troopers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine joined Sununu to announce similar enforcement measures in their regions. “While we may be in New Hampshire today, we are New England, and so that means when it comes to travel safety, we are all in it together,” Sununu said.
How to stay safe this holiday season
Drunk driving is 100% preventable simply by following basic safety best practices. These include:
- Planning ahead with a designated driver.
- Using ride-sharing services or public transportation.
- Hosting responsibly and offering non-alcoholic drinks and food.
- Encouraging guests to stay overnight if needed.
- Avoiding driving if you feel impaired, even slightly.
- Reporting suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement.
- Spreading awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
Injured by a drunk driver? Our law firm can protect your rights
Despite increased patrols and proactive measures, some individuals will still choose to drive under the influence this holiday season, putting innocent lives at risk. These reckless decisions can lead to devastating crashes, leaving victims and their families to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath.
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in New Hampshire, you need a strong legal advocate on your side who will fight for justice, accountability, and compensation. The attorneys at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. have over 150 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured motorists across New Hampshire. Our dedication to clients has resulted in many successful outcomes, including a $715,000 settlement for a client who suffered neck injuries in a crash.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to see how we can help with your potential legal case. Contact us online or call one of our law offices in Dover or Portsmouth today.
"...I was in a motor vehicle accident and suffered more serious injuries than I originally thought. I contacted Attorney Durkin, and the response was immediate. From that point forward, he and his professional staff handled everything, and I was able to focus on my recovery. I can't say enough about the level of professionalism and importance in which my case was handled. I am very grateful for their services..." -S.H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
