Holiday weekends like Labor Day are closely associated with an increase in drunk driving, and due to the effects of the pandemic that we have all been living through, this year’s holiday could see an even more significant bump in impaired drivers.
Labor Day is summer’s send-off, and many people celebrate in different ways. After all, who doesn’t like a cold beer at a barbeque with family and friends? This year, however, after the stressful and monotonous months of living with the COVID-19 pandemic’s consequences, more people might be looking forward to an excuse to relax and celebrate, and that could mean an even greater increase in drunk drivers. If an impaired driver leaves you injured over the long Labor Day weekend, consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Holiday Weekends and Alcohol
Labor Day is often about hanging out with family and friends outside – with overflowing coolers and barbecues. In fact, it is the perfect opportunity to social distance at gatherings outside. The problem is, however, that holidays and drinking have a habit of going together, and Labor Day is no exception. Further, the long weekend allows relatives and loved ones to venture farther to see one another, which translates to increased traffic. When you mix increased mileage with increased drinking, it means that there will likely be more drunk drivers on our roadways.
The Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shares the following dire statistics from the long 2017 Labor Day weekend:
- Of all the motorist fatalities, 37 percent were drunk when the crash occurred.
- Of all the motorist fatalities among those aged 21 to 34, 45 percent were drunk when the crash occurred.
- Of all the drunk-driving fatalities, 79 percent happened at night (it is worth noting that, in their bid to make the most of the long weekend, many of those most enthusiastic about celebrating Labor Day leave right after work on Friday and don’t return home until late on Monday evening, which means more driving at night).
- There were 376 total traffic fatalities, and 36 percent of these fatal accidents involved a drunk driver.
These statistics tell a sobering tale.
Alcohol’s Effects
The effects of alcohol can sneak up on a motorist, including all of the following:
- Visual impairment
- Reduction in coordination
- Reduction in concentration
- Substantial decrease in the ability to control a vehicle
All of these are obviously serious impairments when it comes to driving safely, and people under the influence often cause life-changing accidents and injuries.
You Need an Experienced San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer on Your Side
If a drunk motorist leaves you or someone you love injured in a traffic accident over the Labor Day weekend, you’ll likely be facing a difficult path forward. The dedicated personal injury lawyers at The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., in San Francisco, however, have vast experience helping clients like you obtain optimal case resolutions that allow them to achieve optimal recoveries. Our formidable legal team is on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (415) 851-6486 today.
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