Tis the season to enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights. But that cannot be said for the blue lights on the police car behind you on the road.
Why is there an annual uptick in the number of driving under the influence (DUI) arrests? Learn more below about the increased presence of law enforcement on the streets for the month of December.
It’s a time of celebratory drinking
Many Maryland residents who celebrate the winter holidays include alcohol with the festivities. Whether it’s sipping on a mug of eggnog or giving a toast with a New Year’s Eve glass of champagne, the season is rife with opportunities to overindulge.
Then there are the parties. From neighborhood soirees to office parties and family get-togethers, the time always seems right to celebrate cheerfully by raising a glass or ordering another round. When these drivers head for home, they can become law enforcement targets.
The numbers don’t lie
Holiday crash statistics are sobering at the least. Over a five-year study (2019 to 2023) of the month of December, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 4,931 lives were lost to highway carnage directly attributed to alcohol-impaired collisions.
Driving after dark was shown to be more deadly, as 30% of motorists involved in alcohol-related highway fatalities got in wrecks taking place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. During winter, that is the time when skies are dark.
Younger drivers had highest fatality rates
In their study, the NHTSA found that December 2023 crash fatalities (27%) occurred with those aged 21 to 34. They also discovered that male drivers (22%) had a higher number of deadly accidents than their female counterparts (18%).
Could you be at risk for a December DUI?
With all the options for a sober ride home using Lyft, Uber or public transit, it’s far easier to avoid a charge than defend a DUI in court. But if you get caught up in a holiday dragnet, remember to invoke your right against self-incrimination and then remain silent.