Drunk drivers can cause horrific accidents. Even though impaired drivers can be on the roadways at any time of day, we typically see an uptick in drunk driving accidents during the evening and early morning hours, as well as around major holidays. However, we want to discuss why August is the deadliest month for drunk driving in Florida.
What the Data Tells Us About Drunk Driving
We examine information available from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle division, we can see that there were more than 4,500 total confirmed alcohol-related crashes across the state during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, there were 384 fatalities and 393 incapacitating injuries. Additionally, more than 2,200 other injuries were reported.
Why is August so Dangerous?
When most people think of drunk driving incidents, particularly focusing on specific timeframes, they think of major holidays. This includes New Year’s Eve, Christmas and Christmas Eve, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, etc. However, August is a relatively dangerous month when it comes to drunk and drugged driving.
Data presented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows us monthly vehicle accident statistics. When we examine information available from the most recent reporting year on file, we see that August is indeed when most traffic fatalities occurred. Additionally, August was also the leading month when it came to non-fatal injuries caused by accidents.
Overall, the data showed that August was not the month during this most recent year where most vehicle accidents occurred, just the month where there were the most deaths and injuries caused by accidents.
The total number of individuals driving under the influence tends to increase during the summer months. This is a time frame when most people are out and about partying, particularly because school is out. In addition to younger individuals partaking in alcohol activities, this is also the time of year when families go on vacation. However, vacationing often turns into times when alcohol consumption increases, even for those who do not typically drink.
Summertime is also when individuals flock to Florida in droves. It is no secret that Florida is one of the main tourist destinations for individuals all over the country, and this means crowded roadways. Crowded roadways, along with impaired driving, is never a good recipe for success.
Another note on why August may be a more dangerous month when it comes to impaired driving – this is the last hurrah for most individuals before they have to head back home or start gearing up for school and work. Families may be trying to get in that last weekend away, and high schoolers and college students may be getting some last-minute partying in before school resumes.
Working With an Accident Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to the careless or negligent actions of an impaired driver in Florida, we encourage you to work with a skilled lawyer for help as soon as possible. A car accident attorney will help you investigate every aspect of your claim and work to recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and painting suffering damages.
