Organizations Remind Everyone to Drive Sober During the Holidays

The holidays in South Carolina can bring a touch of magic to the season, but they also come with increased road hazards. This heightened risk is primarily due to the prevalence of drunk driving, which leads to a notable uptick in car accidents, particularly in South Carolina.

"Two of the most celebrated dates in December – Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve – are also among the most dangerous," according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which is leading an effort to prevent drunk driving crashes during the holidays.

Drunk driving spikes during the holidays

Despite repeated warnings from organizations like MADD about the dangers of drunk driving, holiday season collisions caused by impaired drivers have shown a troubling increase in recent years. Notably, December 2021 marked one of the deadliest years for fatal drunk driving accidents during the holidays, with 1,013 people losing their lives in accidents involving impaired drivers nationwide, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In response to this alarming trend, the National Safety Council (NSC) and the National Road Safety Foundation have lent their support to MADD's initiatives aimed at curbing drunk driving during the holiday season. Together, they have designated December as National Impaired Driving Awareness Month to raise awareness and promote safe driving practices.

South Carolina's ranking in holiday drunk driving crashes

Tragically, holiday season collisions caused by impaired drivers are more prevalent in South Carolina than in numerous other regions across the nation. A recent study even placed South Carolina as the 8th deadliest state for holiday drunk driving accidents.

The study, conducted by ValuePenguin, examined data from 2010 to 2018 and revealed that during this period, impaired drivers in South Carolina were responsible for 38 fatal drunk driving accidents on Christmas alone. This alarming statistic ranked South Carolina as the 8th highest state nationwide for such incidents.

Efforts to prevent drunk driving during the holidays

From now until January 1st, the NHTSA, along with state and local law enforcement agencies, is actively engaged in a nationwide initiative called "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." This comprehensive campaign aims to combat drunk driving accidents by not only raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving but also rigorously enforcing each state's impaired driving laws.

In addition to this, MADD and other organizations emphasize the importance of preplanning when celebrating during the holiday season. They urge everyone to exercise personal responsibility by arranging for a safe ride home before the festivities begin. Their recommendations include designating a sober driver, opting for a taxi, bus, or train, or utilizing rideshare apps like Uber to ensure a safe journey home.

Seek legal help if you were hit by a drunk driver

If you've been injured in a collision with a drunk driver in South Carolina, it might appear to be a straightforward situation. Someone under the influence of alcohol caused your accident. In such cases, you may think all you need to do is contact the police and your insurance company, and they will handle everything.

However, the reality is that car accident claims related to drunk driving often become complex legal matters. This is where our team at Twenge + Twombley comes into play. Our car accident lawyers are well-versed in the relevant laws governing accidents caused by intoxicated drivers in South Carolina. We know what legal strategies can be the most effective. That's why we have a strong track record of success.

To see how we can help with your potential legal case, schedule a free case evaluation with our law firm. There are no obligations, and we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today.