Summer is a time for parties, outdoor gatherings, and vacations. It’s also a time when drunk driving accidents tend to increase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 30 people die each day due to drunk driving accidents. These types of accidents occur more during the summertime than in other months.
Why Do People Drive Drunk?
There are many reasons why people choose to drink and drive. Some people believe they are invincible and that nothing bad can happen to them. Others may be trying to impress their friends or prove that they are not scared of driving after drinking.
Why is the Summer More Common for Drinking and Driving?
In general, people tend to drink more in the summer. Whether it’s because of the warm weather or more social events, people are more likely to partake in having alcohol during the summer months.
Additionally, young people, who are more likely to experiment with alcohol and not comprehend how quickly it can impact their cognitive ability, are on the road during the summer. Many high school and college students have summer breaks from school so they are out driving more often.
Another component to take into consideration is visitors or tourists. Many individuals and families take vacations during the summer and may be unfamiliar with local roads and highways. This factor can lead to drivers feeling uncomfortable with traveling along these roadways and if alcohol is added as well, it can be a deadly combination.
What to Do if a Drunk Driver Hits You
If a drunk driver hits you, it’s critical to take action as soon as possible. Contact local law enforcement, get the medical help you or others may need, and document what happened before and during the accident.
Once those have been taken care of, your next step should be to contact a personal injury attorney. The team at Puryear, Newman & Morton, PLLC has helped countless individuals who were injured by negligent drivers. Don’t brush off the physical and mental pain from an accident — let our legal team help you get justice. Get started by contacting us online or by phone. (615) 933-2366