As the holiday season approaches, millions of New Hampshire residents will visit the roads to visit family and friends, view the late autumn scenery, or enjoy the many seasonal events around the state. Unfortunately, the joy of the season also brings an increased risk of impaired driving incidents–and deadly accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is addressing this concern by partnering with local law enforcement in New Hampshire and other states to reduce impaired driving. Like last year’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, this year’s “Drive High, Get a DUI” operation will increase the presence of law enforcement on the roads to pull over motorists who show signs of impaired driving. This year’s campaign will run from December 13, 2023, through January 1, 2024.
Below, we delve into the sobering statistics related to drunk driving in New Hampshire and across the nation and the financial and personal costs it brings. We’ll also offer valuable insights and tips to plan a safe celebration in the Granite State. If you’ve been pulled over on suspicion of impaired driving, the New Hampshire impaired driving lawyers of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can help. Call us today at 888-332-5855 or contact us online for a free consultation. We assist clients throughout the state, from Colebrook to Nashua.
Statistics on Impaired Driving
According to the NHTSA, more than 13,300 people died in 2021 in the United States due to impaired driving, which was a 14 percent increase from fatalities occurring in 2020. In December 2020, the gender disparities were stark, with male drunk drivers being involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate than females. In addition, young people aged 21-34 accounted for a significant portion of alcohol-impaired fatalities in December 2020.
Nighttime crashes in December 2020 were particularly risky, with 30 percent of drunk-driving-related crashes occurring between the hours of 6 pm and 5:50 am. It’s worth noting that almost half (44 percent) of these crashes happened between midnight and 2:59 am when many bars are closing and people are headed home after an evening of drinking and revelry.
One-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above .08 percent. New Hampshire, like most other states, follows this national legal limit. In 2021, the state saw 118 traffic fatalities where the driver had a BAC over .08 percent or higher. This figure represents a slight uptick from 2020, which saw 101 impaired-driving deaths. Statistics also showed that, like in the broader United States, men in New Hampshire are significantly more likely than women to die in an alcohol-impaired crash.
The Cost of Drunk Driving
The human cost of impaired driving is immense. You can lose your life and cost other people theirs. Moreover, if you are arrested for impaired driving in New Hampshire, you may face significant jail time, a criminal record, and other consequences that could affect employment or educational opportunities. For example, losing your driver’s license and vehicle can lead to lost wages, job loss, and other life-changing disruptions.
What’s more, the financial consequences of an impaired driving arrest are substantial. The average DUI can cost up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.
Plan Safe Holiday Celebrations in New Hampshire
Planning ahead is essential to ensure a safe and happy holiday season. Here are some tips to keep you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road safe.
• Arrange for a Designated Driver. Before you start celebrating, designate a driver who will not be drinking that evening. Don’t wait until you’ve already begun drinking before deciding who that person will be.
• Explore Alternate Options: Call a taxi or use a rideshare service if you can’t find a designated driver.
• Report Drunk Drivers: If you see a motorist driving erratically on a New Hampshire road, don’t hesitate to call local law enforcement. Your actions could help prevent a tragedy.
• Be a Good Friend: Don’t let friends drive when impaired. Take their keys away and help them find a way home with a sober driver.
Experienced DUI Attorneys in New Hampshire Can Help
A DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on your life. If you have been arrested for DUI during this holiday season or at any other time, be sure to hire a New Hampshire lawyer with substantial experience defending clients charged with impaired driving offenses.
Tenn And Tenn, P.A. has represented drivers arrested for or convicted of DU throughout New Hampshire, including Loudon, Concord, Manchester, and beyond. We understand the high stakes of your situation and the potential consequences you face. We’ll help you understand your rights, options, and obligations and fight for the best outcome possible. Contact us today at888-332-5855 or online for your free evaluation. We are ready to help you reclaim your life.