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Holiday Drunk Driving

As the end of the year approaches, many people have a social calendar full of parties and celebrations. Festivities typically include enjoying alcoholic drinks, making this time of year one of the most dangerous for drunk driving accidents. Especially on New Year’s Eve, the roads are full of drivers who have overestimated their ability to drive after drinking.

Effects of Alcohol on Driving

Many people have a drink for the stimulating effect – they become livelier, act happy, and “loosen up” and enjoy things more. But ironically, alcohol is classified as a depressant, so the more alcohol a person consumes, the greater its effects as a depressant. These include loss of coordination and control, impaired judgment, and loss of the ability to think rationally. That is why alcohol impaired driving is so dangerous. It is impossible to make the split-second decisions required to drive a motor vehicle.

Additionally, most social drinking happens in the evening and at night. People who decide to drive home after drinking are doing so in conditions where it is harder to see pedestrians and other unexpected obstacles. During the holiday season, they may also have winter weather conditions to contend with.

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Police measure how much alcohol a person has consumed with a breathalyzer test that determines blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or how much alcohol there is in a certain amount of blood. The legal limit in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico is .08 grams of alcohol/deciliter of blood. Unfortunately, this does not mean that lower BAC levels are safe for driving. Many people die each year in car accidents where drivers had BAC levels of .01 to .07.

Alcoholic beverages have differing amounts of alcohol. The following list is a general, but not absolute guide to how much alcohol is in different types of alcoholic drinks. For specific amounts check the drink container.

  • Beer 2–8 percent alcohol
  • Cider 4–8 percent alcohol
  • Wine 8–20 percent alcohol
  • Tequila 40 percent alcohol
  • Rum 40 percent or more alcohol
  • Brandy 40 percent or more alcohol
  • Gin 40–47 percent alcohol
  • Whiskey 40–50 percent alcohol
  • Vodka 40–50 percent alcohol
  • Liqueurs 15–60 percent alcohol

Tips for Avoiding DUIs and Drunk Driving Accidents

In 2016, close to 10,500 people died in alcohol-related crashes. To avoid being hurt in a crash or hurting others, remember these tips:

  • Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink at a holiday party, let someone else drive home.
  • Designate a driver who will be staying sober all evening before you get to the party.
  • Use the subway, a taxi service, or car service such as Lyft or Uber. Leave your car at home.
  • If you see a friend who has been drinking get into their car, offer to get them a taxi. Keeping them off the road could save lives.
  • Celebrate the season without alcohol.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

If you have been injured or suffered the wrongful death of a loved one in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Talk to a Wilmington car accident lawyer from Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. about your legal options. We will help you obtain justice and compensation for your injuries so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact us online or call 302-656-5445 or 800-355-1818 today to schedule a free consultation about your case. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware we represent clients throughout the state, including those in Dover, Delaware.