Late-Night Drunk Driving: The Deadliest Hours on the Road
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one person dies in a drunk driving-related crash every 42 minutes. Alcohol impairs a person’s thinking, reasoning, coordination, and vision, making drunk drivers some of the most dangerous drivers on the road. Unfortunately, for other motorists, there are specific times of the day when you are more likely to encounter a drunk driver.
What time do most drunk driving accidents occur? By understanding the deadliest hours on the road, you can learn how to protect yourself and your family and avoid late-night drunk driving accidents in Binghamton.
Why Late-Night Hours Are the Most Dangerous
Additional statistics from the NHTSA show that the majority of drunk driving accidents occur late at night. From dusk until dawn, drivers are more likely to encounter an impaired driver. Most crashes occur between midnight and 3 a.m. Drunk driving late at night tends to be more prevalent because bars and restaurants are open and people are off work. The spike in crashes between midnight and 3 a.m. also corresponds with the closing hours of many bars, restaurants, and entertainment establishments. Many people who have been consuming alcohol all night have nowhere to go but home, and they sometimes get there by driving drunk.
Late-night hours are also more dangerous because, in addition to the impairments caused by the alcohol itself, fatigue and reduced visibility also help create the perfect storm of hazardous conditions.
Common Causes of Late-Night Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving accidents at night are often caused by numerous factors that impair both physical and mental functions, leaving a driver unable to operate their vehicle safely. Some of the most common causes of late-night drunk driving crashes include:
- Alcohol and impaired judgment
- Fatigue and slower reaction times
- Reduced visibility and fewer law enforcement patrols
Weekends and holidays also increase the risk of encountering a drunk driver on Binghamton roads since people usually have more free time. Parties or gatherings where alcohol is available are also more common on those days.
Legal Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents
Impaired drivers and other entities may be liable in drunk driving accident cases. Sometimes, a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault party is the best way to recover fair compensation for someone’s injuries following a drunk driving crash. Potentially liable parties can include:
- The intoxicated driver who caused the accidents
- Third parties, such as bars or restaurants that overserved the driver
New York dram shop laws allow victims of drunk driving accidents to hold some third parties accountable for injuries caused by the illegal sale of intoxicating liquor. The law also gives injured people the opportunity to pursue compensation in situations where an individual or establishment contributed to a drink driver’s intoxication by knowingly and unlawfully selling liquor to a visibly intoxicated person.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
An alcohol-related car accident lawyer can help by reviewing your situation and identifying all potentially liable parties. From the start of your case to its end, an experienced Binghamton DUI crash lawyer can explain your rights and pursue maximum compensation and accountability from those whose poor decisions and inappropriate actions caused you harm.
Contact Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney today and speak with a car accident attorney for drunk driving who knows their way around drunk driving cases. Our legal team goes above and beyond to help our clients solve problems outside the immediate scope of their case. Call today, and put our team to work for you.
