The holidays are a time for celebration, but unfortunately, they also come with an increase in drunk driving accidents. Many of these accidents could be avoided if people made more responsible choices—especially when it comes to drinking and driving. Even one drink can impair your decision-making and ability to drive safely, so it's important to plan ahead and ensure you get home safely if you've been drinking.
In Michigan, data shows that drunk driving-related deaths spike during the holiday season. Each year, thousands are injured or killed in alcohol-related crashes, particularly around December. This article explores the statistics about impaired driving in Michigan during the holidays and includes key tips to help you avoid drinking and driving.
Drunk Driving Statistics
Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as low as 0.05 are at an increased risk of being involved in a crash. Those with higher BAC levels—0.08, 0.15, or 0.20—are even more likely to cause an accident, especially when compared to sober drivers. In 2020, 30% of all fatal crashes in Michigan involved drunk drivers.
The statistics are equally alarming for recent years. In 2020, there were 303 fatal crashes and more than 3,000 injuries from alcohol-related accidents in Michigan. In 2021, over 1,000 people died in crashes caused by drunk driving, which was the highest number of fatalities in Michigan since 2007.
Nationally, drunk driving crashes are most common in December. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 4,500 people died in alcohol-related crashes during this month alone. While drunk driving tragedies occur throughout the year, they are particularly impactful during the holiday season.
Drug-Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs is also illegal in Michigan, and the consequences can be just as severe as drunk driving. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) between 2009 and 2021 found that 25% of drivers who were seriously injured or killed in crashes had THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) in their system. This highlights the dangers of driving while impaired by drugs, not just alcohol.
Getting Home Safely
Don't risk driving if you've been drinking or using drugs. The safety of yourself and others depends on your ability to make responsible decisions. Here are some essential tips to ensure you and your loved ones get home safely:
Plan ahead: If you're going out and know you'll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver before you leave. Make sure they stay sober and can take you home safely.
Use a ride service: If you're out with friends and plan to drink, don't drive yourself home. Instead, rely on a sober friend, a taxi, a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, or public transportation to get home safely.
Hold others accountable: If you're with someone who has been drinking or using drugs, make sure they don't drive. Take their keys and help them find a safe way to get home.
By helping others get home safely, you're doing your part to keep the community safer.
Conclusion
Driving impaired puts the driver, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk. Statistics show that impaired drivers are more than three times more likely to cause an accident. So, if you've been drinking or using drugs, make the responsible choice not to get behind the wheel. The holidays should be a time for celebration, not tragedy. Stay safe, plan ahead, and enjoy the season responsibly.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Michigan, reach out to an experienced auto accident attorney to help you seek justice.
