Holiday Drunk Driving Statistics: The Deadliest Days to Drive
The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and togetherness—families gathering around the dinner table, friends reconnecting at festive parties, and lights twinkling everywhere you go. It’s a time filled with warmth and excitement.
But amidst the cheer and holiday spirit, there’s a darker reality. As drinks flow freely at holiday events, so do the dangers on the road. Holiday drunk driving incidents skyrocket, turning what should be a season of happiness into one of the most dangerous times of the year to drive. If you plan to drive after a holiday celebration this year, here are some important statistics you should consider.
The Deadliest Holidays for Drunk Driving
Holiday drunk driving statistics reveal that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day sees some of the highest rates of alcohol-related traffic deaths, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. In fact, between 2018 and 2022, a staggering 4,759 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired crashes in December alone. In December 2022, 1,062 people died in alcohol-related driving crashes, making it one of the deadliest months of the year.
Which Holiday has the Most Drunk Drivers on the Road?
- New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: These days have the most DUIs, with an overnight spike in fatal crashes. There are 13% more fatal crashes than in the previous four weeks, and overnight fatal crashes surge by a shocking 136%. More than 40% of those overnight fatal crashes involve alcohol, making New Year's the deadliest time for holiday drunk driving.
- Christmas and New Year’s: During the Christmas and New Year holiday periods, 40% of traffic-related deaths involve drunk drivers, which is a 12% increase compared to the rest of December. With an average of 45 alcohol-related deaths per day during the Christmas season, that number jumps to 54 per day during the New Year holiday.
- Thanksgiving: While many people focus on Christmas and New Year's, Thanksgiving also sees a significant increase in drunk driving. In 2022, there were 184 fatalities in traffic crashes that involved one or more drivers who had a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Who's Most at Risk?
When it comes to holiday drunk driving, certain groups are more at risk than others. According to holiday drinking and driving statistics from December 2022:
- Young drivers (ages 21-34) accounted for 25% of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.
- Male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (22%) than female drivers (16%).
- Nighttime driving is particularly dangerous, with 31% of fatal crashes between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. involving drunk drivers. This jumps to nearly 45% for crashes happening between midnight and 3 a.m.
Does any of this sound like you? Whether it does or not, take a moment to seriously consider the risks of driving buzzed during the holiday season. These statistics make it clear just how vital it is to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking—especially during those late-night hours when the dangers are highest.
Stress, Alcohol, and the Holidays
It’s no surprise that holiday stress can lead to questionable decision-making, as stress levels tend to soar during the holiday season. In fact, 41% of adults report that their stress levels increase during the holidays. The combination of stress, alcohol, and the hustle and bustle of the season makes holiday drunk driving incidents more likely.
How to Avoid Drunk Driving This Holiday Season
Avoiding holiday drunk driving means planning ahead. Whether it’s designating a sober driver, using rideshare apps, or choosing to stay the night, there are many ways to celebrate responsibly without putting yourself or others at risk. Ignition interlock devices (IIDs), like those from Intoxalock, can ensure that you avoid driving when you are not able to do so safely.
If a past DUI affects your holiday plans, Intoxalock can help you get back on the road safely. Intoxalock ignition interlock devices provide the easiest customer experience on the market, with fast, convenient installation and the easiest-to-use, reliable device. If you need an IID, don’t wait. Call an Intoxalock State Specialist today at 888-283-5899 to schedule your installation and drive with peace of mind knowing you’re making a safe choice.
