New York City car accident attorney Nicholas Rose knows that the winter holiday season is a hectic time of celebration and contemplation for most all of us. Starting with the Thanksgiving Day parade and wrapping up with the ball drop on New Year’s Eve in Times Square, New York City streets are even more so overwhelmed with visitors, pedestrians, detours and drivers than during any other time of year.
But with the excitement of the holiday season comes also an increased risk of a fatal New York City car accident. Analysis of nine years of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day there is a substantial increase in the number of alcohol-related fatal car crashes across the state and nationwide.
On average, 80 people die nationwide in New Year’s Day crashes. This number represents a nearly 150 percent increase in the number of alcohol-related fatal car accidents than on other days during the holiday season. And prior to the clock striking midnight on Dec. 31, there is a 25 percent increase in the number of alcohol-related fatal car accidents than during other days spanning the month of the holiday.
Thus, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report concludes, alcohol continues to play a significant role in making New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day among the deadliest for motorists nationwide.
The report also revealed a disturbing truth. Of those surveyed, one in 10 drivers admitted to driving drunk during the last year and another half say they’ve done so more than once. At the same time, 9 out of 10 participants said they believe drinking and driving is a serious threat. So much so that nearly 70 percent of those asked support requiring that convicted DWI offenders install an ignition interlock device to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel under the influence a second time.
In New York alone, Newsday reports that statewide drunk-driving fatalities have held steady at 30 percent of all New York car accident deaths since 2005, despite beefed up DWI enforcement, stricter legislation and an increase in social stigmatization associated with drunken driving.
And just in New York City, in 2009 there were 75,539 reported motor-vehicle accidents that claimed 256 lives and left 51,234 injured. Of those crashes, 1,015 involved alcohol, 97 involved illegal drugs and 42 involved prescription medication, causing 24 fatalities and leaving 893 injured, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles reports.
Do yourself and others on the road a favor in 2011, and resolve not to drink and drive. Period.
New York City car accident lawyer Nicholas Rose would like you to know our office is available for a free and confidential consultation if you have been injured in a New York City car accident. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-313-ROSE (7673). Nicholas Rose represents accident victims throughout the New York City area, including Long Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.
