Drunk driving incidents can technically happen at any time. People on their way to a first-shift job might encounter a drunk driver headed home after an all-night bender. Motorists simply do not know when they may cross paths with an intoxicated driver.
However, looking at data collected about collisions can help people identify when their risk might be higher than average. As temperatures rise in the spring and summer months, the likelihood of a drunk driving crash increases as well.
The summer is technically the most dangerous time for drunk driving collisions. Research shows that 28% of drunk driving fatalities occur during the summer, which is more than in any other season. What factors contribute to that risk?
Holidays celebrated with alcohol
Many of the traditional summer holidays involve family get-togethers, barbecues and alcohol consumption. The Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day all frequently see people enjoying meals and beers together. Juneteenth has also begun gaining traction as a popular celebration where families and neighborhoods host barbecues.
When looking at drunk driving collision data collected between 2018 and 2022, Labor Day is the holiday with the highest degree of drunk driving crash risk. The summer holidays themselves and the weekends closest to them may see a much higher number of impaired drivers on the road.
Students off from school
Another factor that contributes to drunk driving crash risk is the summer break from school. High school students are technically not old enough to drink yet, but they may throw raucous summer parties where young adults experiment with alcohol.
College students may also take advantage of their break from formal instructions by overindulging during the summer months. Increased alcohol consumption correlates to increased drunk driving collision risk.
Drunk drivers are usually responsible for the harm they cause other people. In some cases, there may be third parties with a degree of liability for drunk driving collisions as well. Reviewing the details of the crash can help those injured by impaired motorists determine the best option available. Those who understand risk levels may make better informed choices in traffic and after drunk driving car crashes occur.