Motor vehicle collisions are highly unpredictable. People never know when they might encounter someone texting while driving or when an animal might dart out onto the road. Drivers should generally adhere to safety regulations and maintain consistent awareness of their surroundings to limit their chances of a crash. After all, a crash could happen at any time without warning.
That being said, there are definitely trends that appear when looking at nationwide collision statistics. There are times of day when crashes are more likely to occur. More drunk driving crashes happen in the evening and early morning hours than in the early afternoon, for example.
There are also annual cycles. When looking at drunk driving crashes in particular, there are a couple of noteworthy trends that people may need to understand. Those who know when they are most likely to encounter a drunk driver on the road can be more proactive about safety and take appropriate steps to hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions.
When are drunk driving collisions most likely?
Around major holidays
Federal crash statistics have helped researchers identify a trend regarding when drunk driving collisions occur. Many of them take place on major federal holidays or the weekends closest to the holidays.
Holiday traditions frequently involved alcohol. People drink while watching fireworks on the Fourth of July or while barbecuing on Memorial Day. They enjoy beer while watching football on Thanksgiving and champagne toasts at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Major holidays are therefore some of the most dangerous days to drive when looking at the likelihood of encountering an impaired motorist.
During the summer
Overall, drunk driving crash risk is slightly higher in the summer than in any other season. Many people enjoy their weekends and summer holiday celebrations with alcohol. They may have a cold beer to cool off after a long day at work.
High school and college students being out of class for the summer may also contribute to this risk. While people can’t just stay off the road all summer or around every major holiday, they can be more attentive when they know their risk is higher.
Avoiding a drunk driving collision is ideal. With that said, those affected by the poor choices of others may need support as they hold unsafe motorists accountable for causing car crashes , and that’s okay.
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