The holiday season is a time for celebration, but for too many Georgia families, it’s also a time of tragedy caused by drunk driving accidents. Despite strict campaigns like "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," drivers who make reckless choices continue to endanger lives on Georgia’s roads. With alcohol contributing to nearly one-third of the state’s traffic fatalities, the need for awareness and accountability is more urgent than ever.
In 2022, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 28% of Georgia's 1,797 traffic fatalities, up from 22% in 2020. Nationwide, 32% of crash fatalities in 2022 involved a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher. However, some states demonstrate better outcomes. The best-performing state had just 0.21 alcohol-related fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), compared to Georgia's 0.39.
Between 2018 and 2019, Georgia showed progress in reducing alcohol-involved fatalities. In 2018, 379 deaths involved drivers over the legal BAC limit, making up 25% of all traffic fatalities. By 2019, this dropped to 353 fatalities, or 24%. However, these figures highlight the ongoing need for public awareness and enforcement.
What makes the holidays especially dangerous for drunk driving?
As more festivities occur during the month of December, more people will consume alcohol. Unfortunately, many people who consume alcohol then get behind the wheel. Alcohol impairs driving ability by reducing brain function, which affects thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination. As alcohol accumulates in the bloodstream, its negative effects on the central nervous system increase. At a BAC of .08, the risk of being involved in a crash rises exponentially.
Georgia's zero-tolerance policy emphasizes accountability. Drivers caught over the limit face serious consequences, including arrest and prosecution. The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative reminds drivers to make responsible choices, particularly during times of celebration and increased travel.
However, drivers don't have to have a BAC of .08 to be impaired. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers can experience some judgment loss at a BAC of only .02. Low amounts of alcohol can also lead to drowsy driving, especially late at night or for sleep-deprived drivers. At a BAC of 0.5, drivers can experience loss of muscle control, reduced alertness, and impaired judgment.
How can Georgia drivers prevent drunk driving crashes during the holidays?
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable with responsible choices. Here’s how you can help reduce the risks on Georgia’s roads:
- Plan Ahead: Before heading out to enjoy holiday festivities, arrange a sober ride home. Use ridesharing apps, taxis, or MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) in urban areas like Atlanta.
- Take the Keys: If a friend or family member has been drinking, take their keys and arrange for a safe way home. Be firm—your intervention could save lives.
- Host Responsibly: If you’re hosting a party, make it easy for guests to stay sober by offering non-alcoholic drink options. Encourage guests to use sober drivers or ride-hailing services and stop serving alcohol well before the party ends.
- Report Impaired Drivers: If you see someone driving erratically, call 911 to alert law enforcement. Provide a description of the vehicle and its location, but don’t attempt to intervene yourself.
Hit and injured by a drunk driver? Get Georgia's Power Law Firm
Even with strict laws and increased awareness campaigns, drunk driving accidents still happen, often leaving victims with life-altering injuries and emotional trauma. For those affected, pursuing justice and holding negligent drivers accountable is critical—not just for recovery but also for sending a strong message that reckless behavior has consequences.
Remember, there is no such thing as safe drunk driving. No matter how confident a driver is in their ability to operate a vehicle under the influence, it only takes one misjudgment or wrong move to cause a serious and potentially fatal crash. That's why the Atlanta car accident lawyers at Gary Martin Hays & Associates fight for injured victims and their families.
We fight to hold drunk drivers accountable, push back against insurance companies who try to pay victims less, and seek maximum compensation for our clients. For instance, in one case, we helped a client secure a settlement of over $2 million in a drunk driving wreck.
Our firm offers skilled, compassionate legal representation on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. During your free consultation, we'll review your case, explain your rights, and help you explore your potential legal options for seeking compensation.
For a free consultation, contact us online or call one of our Georgia law offices today.
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