Injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among Americans ages 1 to 54. Globally, road traffic crashes are the main cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 years.
Motor vehicle collisions in California occur all year long, but these incidents become more prevalent at certain times of the year, such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays. If you have been injured in a traffic collision, it’s imperative to contact a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles immediately.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more road traffic-related deaths during holiday periods than during non-holiday seasons due to increased alcohol use, travel time, and driving speed.
Historical data from NHTSA shows that in 2017, over 102 people nationwide died of roadside accidents each day. In comparison, the average number of car crash fatalities during six major holiday periods, including Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, rose to 119 per day.
Statistics on Drunk driving during New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is typically a time of travel for families across the country. Many Americans prefer car travel, which presents the highest fatality risk on a per-mile basis among all major forms of transportation.
Driving under the influence of alcohol can interfere with one’s attention, motor skills, and decision-making. It’s illegal to drive drunk in every state in the United States. Yet, approximately one-third of all roadside fatalities in the country involve alcohol-impaired drivers (with a blood alcohol content of .08 g/dL or higher). Data from 2010 to 2019 shows that more than 10,000 fatalities occurred each year as a result of drunk-driving crashes.
In 2019, alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 28% of the total road traffic deaths in the country. This number rose to 36% during the 2019 New Year’s Day holiday period.
Given the increased alcohol consumption during New Year’s Eve gatherings, the odds of being involved in a drunk driving accident also skyrocket. Driving while impaired could get you arrested, or worse, cause serious injury or death. If you are the designated driver on New Year’s Eve, commit to staying sober. Buckling up and driving at safe speeds can help save lives and prevent injuries during the holiday season.
A dedicated personal injury lawyer on your side
Unfortunately, no matter how safely you drive during the holidays, you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the road. If you have been injured in a vehicular accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to cover your losses.
Car accidents can leave you with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and property damage. Haffner Law has been serving car crash victims in California for over 20 years, helping them seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced in determining cause and fault, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing victims and their families in court.
Contact our experienced car accident lawyer and let us help you recover the full value of your claim.
(This is an attorney advertisement by Joshua Haffner)
