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Bracing for drunk drivers over New Year’s

On Behalf of | May 2, 2016 | Auto Accidents, Firm News

Walnut Creek residents should know that during the holidays there is a greater risk of being involved in a drunk driving car accident.

People in Walnut Creek, California are aware that drunk drivers pose great risk to all drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the year. However, it is important to understand how much greater this risk is during prime holiday times. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that fatal accidents attributed to people who drive while under the influence of alcohol spikes sharply over New Year’s and other holidays.

Between 2001 and 2005, NHTSA statistics were used to compare days in December that are determined to be holidays with 25 other days in December not deemed as holidays. For the days identified as specific holiday days, a total of 40 percent of all automobile accident deaths resulted from drunk driving accidents. For the remaining days in December not mapped to a specific holiday, 28 percent of all automobile accident deaths resulted from drunk driving accidents.

A broader view of the problem

247wallst.com published information provided by the National Safety Council that corroborates the NHTSA findings. The NSC compared six major holidays over the course of the calendar year including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. These three holidays were found to be some of the most deadly due to any accident involving a drunk driver. For New Year’s holidays running from 2007 to 2011, the presence of alcohol was a noted factor in 42 percent of all deaths in vehicular accidents.

It was also noted that the day of the week upon which a holiday falls can affect the rate of accidents and related fatalities. When a holiday lands on or next to a weekend, the number of crashes and deaths can rise.

A look into the problem throughout California

The 2012 data from Mothers Against Drunk Driving show a rise in the number of fatalities associated with impaired driving accidents in California by 3.6 percent over the number from 2011. The 2012 death toll accounted for 28 percent of all motor vehicle deaths in the state that year.

The NHTSA data for 2012 makes it easy to see the risk to people in and around Walnut Creek. Information includes the following:

  • In Contra Costa County, 13 out of 60 vehicular fatalities were attributed to drunk driving accidents.
  • In Alameda County, 14 out of 61 vehicular fatalities were attributed to drunk driving accidents.
  • In San Joaquin County, 22 out of 58 vehicular fatalities were attributed to drunk driving accidents.
  • In Santa Clara County, 84 out of 26 vehicular fatalities were attributed to drunk driving accidents.
  • In Solano County, six out of 19 vehicular fatalities were attributed to drunk driving accidents.

Around the state, 2,857 people in all died in vehicle accidents involving drunk drivers.

Taking action

Anyone who has been involved in a drunk driving crash should take prompt action. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to receive the justice that is deserved.