Posted on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 at 9:00 am
Not getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol isn’t the only way to guard against drunk driving wrecks. Knowing when drunk drivers are most likely to be driving can also help you stay safe on Georgia’s roads. If you know when these types of crashes are most common, you can take steps to avoid them.
Contact us online or call Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. at (770) 205-8827 to speak to a DUI accident attorney. Our legal team of personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation that you deserve from the at-fault party or their insurer. Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. has helped clients get awards from $25,000 to $500,000 for drunk driver injury victims. And since we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless your case is a success.
What Time Do Most Drunk Driving Accidents Happen in Georgia?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most drunk driving accidents occur between the hours of midnight and 3:00 AM. Approximately two-thirds of all fatal crashes that occur during these hours involve intoxicated drivers. That’s twice the average of wrecks involving drunk drivers at nearly any other hour.
Per NHTSA data, other times of day when drunk driving wrecks are relatively common include:
- 6:00 PM to midnight
- 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM
It’s easy to understand why drunk driving wrecks may be more common during these hours. Late at night and in the early morning are the times when people may be returning home from bars. Staying off the road during these hours may limit your risk of getting hurt in a drunk driving crash.
Fatigued driving may also be more common during these hours. Unfortunately, fatigue can mimic the effects of alcohol intoxication.
Holidays When Drunk Driving Crashes Occur
Drunk driving wrecks aren’t just more common during certain times of the day. They can also occur with greater frequency than usual during holiday seasons.
Data regarding which holiday seasons specifically involve high rates of drunk driving crashes is limited. However, data from the National Safety Council (NSC) indicates the following are the most dangerous holiday seasons for motorists:
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
A holiday season or “holiday period” per the NSC’s definition isn’t always just one day. It can include any days during the holiday season when people may be traveling. For example, if the holiday is a Monday, such as Memorial Day, the “holiday period” begins at 6:00 p.m. the preceding Friday. During these times of year, people may be drinking and driving more often due to holiday celebrations.
Where Do Most Drunk Driving Accidents Occur?
Drunk driving wrecks may be more common in certain areas. Although data on this topic is scanty, it’s safe to assume drunk driving crashes may occur more frequently in areas with certain qualities. Examples of these qualities include:
- Proximity to bars or other establishments serving alcohol
- High levels of traffic
- Any features that could make a road difficult for a drunk driver to navigate (such as curves)
- Proximity to events or celebrations where alcohol may be served
You may not always be able to avoid potentially dangerous areas. However, you can adjust your driving habits accordingly.
For example, maybe you’re driving on a busy highway near a sports stadium after a big game lets out. Some of the motorists near you may have consumed alcohol during the game. Keep an eye out for signs that a motorist is drunk, and practice defensive driving to stay safe.
Signs of a Drunk Driver
Certain warning signs can indicate that a nearby motorist is intoxicated. Warning signs to be on the lookout for include:
- Suddenly accelerating or braking for no clear reason
- Difficulty maintaining a lane
- Not having headlights on at night
- Driving anywhere other than the road (such as driving over a patch of lawn instead of using a driveway or parking lot to access a road)
- Coming close to striking other objects, vehicles, or pedestrians
- Tailgating
- Ignoring traffic signs/signals
Keep your distance from any drivers exhibiting these warning signs. Consider alerting the authorities if you believe a motorist is a significant danger on the road.
The Deadline for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Georgia
Don’t delay if you plan on filing a lawsuit after you were injured in a drunk driving crash in Georgia. Georgia’s statute of limitations allows an injured person only two years from the date of the crash to take legal action. You won’t be able to file a lawsuit seeking compensation if you miss the deadline.
Contact a Georgia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
It can be extremely frustrating to get hurt in a drunk-driving wreck a careless motorist caused. While you can’t prevent a crash that’s already happened, you can pursue compensation for your medical bills and related losses if you were injured in a crash someone else caused.
Doing so is easier when you have legal representation. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., a Georgia drunk driving accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case while you focus on making a swift recovery. Learn more about how our firm can help by contacting us online today or calling us at (770) 205-8827 for a free case review.
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