December Declared Impaired Driving Prevention Month Nationwide

Maryland car accident attorney

From 2019 to 2023, drunk driving crashes killed 4,931 people in December

December has a way of putting extra weight on the gas pedal. There are parties to attend, relatives to visit, and long nights that blur into early mornings. Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when impaired driving shows up far too often.

That is why AAA, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Waymo are teaming up this holiday season to remind everyone that a safe ride home should never be an afterthought.

Why is December such a dangerous month for impaired driving?

December is officially Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and the timing is no coincidence. The holiday season brings a perfect storm of risk factors that make drunk driving more likely and more dangerous.

Holiday gatherings, alcohol, winter weather, and heavier traffic all collide at once. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving claimed 4,931 lives during December from 2019 through 2023.

Nationwide, more than 13,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2023, which marks the second year in a row at that level.

December is especially dangerous for several reasons:

More holiday parties and social events where alcohol is present
Longer nighttime driving hours with reduced visibility
Increased traffic from holiday travel and shopping
Winter weather conditions that reduce traction and increase stopping distance
Fatigue from long days, late nights, and disrupted routines

What impact does alcohol have on driving ability?

Alcohol affects driving long before a person feels “drunk.” It slows the brain, interferes with judgment, and weakens coordination, all of which are essential for safe driving.

Once alcohol enters the body, it is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine, passes into the bloodstream, and accumulates until the liver can process it. The amount of alcohol in the blood is measured as Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC.

As BAC rises, the risk of a crash increases. At a BAC of .08, crash risk increases dramatically, which is why driving at or above that level is illegal in every state except Utah, where the limit is .05. But danger starts well before the legal limit.

In 2023 alone, more than 2,100 people were killed in crashes involving drivers with BAC levels between .01 and .07.

Here is how different BAC levels affect the body and driving ability:

.02 BAC: Slight loss of judgment and mild relaxation. Visual tracking declines, and multitasking becomes harder.
.05 BAC: Reduced coordination and alertness. Steering becomes more difficult and reaction time slows in emergency situations.
.08 BAC: Poor muscle coordination, impaired judgment, and reduced perception. Drivers struggle with speed control, focus, and processing information.
.10 BAC: Noticeable deterioration of reaction time and control. Lane position and braking suffer.
.15 BAC: Severe loss of balance and muscle control. Vehicle control, attention, and visual and auditory processing are heavily impaired.

How are AAA, MADD, and Waymo working together to prevent impaired driving?

The partnership brings together education, advocacy, and technology to save lives. AAA and MADD are also committing to a longer-term effort to reduce impaired driving deaths by 20 percent over the next five years.

Their joint message this holiday season focuses on planning ahead and looking out for one another, including:

Choosing a safe ride home before drinking begins
Helping guests make arrangements to get home safely
Talking with children and teens about making responsible choices

Waymo brings a different kind of solution to the table: sober, autonomous transportation. As part of this campaign, Waymo is offering a $5 ride discount for the first 2,500 redemptions of the code “SAFEHOLIDAYS,” valid through New Year’s Eve in its current markets of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

The idea is simple. If people have access to a reliable, judgment-free ride, there is one less excuse to drive impaired. Waymo’s leadership has been clear that the loss of life caused by impaired driving is unacceptable, and technology can help close that gap.

What can families and drivers do right now to make a difference?

Impaired driving is getting worse nationwide, with deaths up 22 percent since 2019. That means roughly every 85 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash.

While technology and partnerships matter, individual choices still carry enormous weight. The holidays should be remembered for celebrations, not sirens.

With a little planning and a lot of awareness, everyone can help make sure the season ends with safe arrivals and empty roads after last call. Here are some actions that can make a difference this holiday season:

Planning transportation (e.g., designated driver, rideshare, or taxi) before attending holiday events.
Checking in on friends and family who may need a ride.
Offer non-alcoholic beverage options.
Allowing friends and family to spend the night.
Supporting laws and technology designed to prevent impaired driving.

What are my rights after a drunk driving car accident in Maryland or D.C.?

After a drunk driving car accident in Maryland or Washington, D.C., what you do next matters.

Your first priority should always be your health. Get medical care right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Call the police so the crash is properly documented and, if possible, gather evidence at the scene, including photos, witness names, and insurance information.

Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or their insurer. What feels like a casual statement can later be used against you.

You also have important legal rights after a drunk driving crash. You have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and other losses caused by the collision. However, how intoxication is treated differs by location.

In Maryland, unlike in D.C. and Virginia, the fact that a driver was drunk never makes its way into the courtroom for consideration of damages.

By contrast, Virginia and Washington, D.C. have specific laws that allow intoxication to be a factor in damages if certain facts are proven. That distinction can significantly affect how a claim is handled and what compensation may be available.

This is where an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can make a real difference. The legal team at the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC understands how complicated these cases can become.

We can investigate the crash, handle the insurance company, protect your rights, and make sure all deadlines are met.

If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver in Maryland or the D.C. area, contact us to book a free and confidential case consultation.

"Stuart did a fantastic job with my cases. He was thorough, communicative, and gave me excellent advice. I was very pleased with the outcome and highly recommended him." - Ron, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐