IIHS Study Reveals the Days With Most Drunk Driving Fatalities

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has studied Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) statistics collected between 2010 and 2014 to discover the most dangerous days to drive due to the likelihood of getting into a collision caused by a drunk driver. It calculated the top ten worst days by simply comparing the number of fatal car accidents that involved a drunk driver to the total number of all fatal car accidents on that same day. The results revealed that drunk driving seems to increase significantly around the holidays, especially in the heat of the summer.

The top ten most dangerous days, according to the IIHS, are:

January 1^st (New Year’s Day) – 62% of fatal car accidents involved a drunk driver
July 4^th (Independence Day) – 47%
December 24^th (Christmas Eve) – 41%
February 6^th – 41%
July 24^th – 41%
July 3^rd (Independence Day eve) – 41%
March 9^th – 41%
December 25^th (Christmas Day) – 41%
April 21^st – 40%
April 17^th – 40%

Drunk Driving Deaths in Decline

Drunk driving fatalities are entirely preventable, so long as no one drinks and then drives. It is unfortunate that so many are wounded or killed due to drunk driving behavior.

However, due to many efforts on national and local levels, drunk driving fatalities have been steadily decreasing throughout the years. In the early 80s, intoxicated motorists were involved in or caused more than 21,000 fatal car accidents. Decades later, roughly 10,000 deaths are related to drunk driver. As time goes on, hopefully the trend will continue and the number will reach zero sooner than later.

Legal Representation for DUI Defense Cases in Lynnwood

At DUIHeroes, we proudly represent and defend those accused of driving under the influence (DUI) because we know how important it is to keep the criminal justice system honest, and how often people can be charged for a DUI despite being safe to drive. However, we always encourage everyone to drive responsibly. Never get behind the wheel when you are intoxicated, and do not get into another person’s car if they are drunk.

If you are charged with a DUI and believe it should be contested, feel free to contact our Lynnwood DUI defense attorneys. We represent clients all throughout the greater Lynnwood area and can hear your case during a free initial consultation.