Principle Attorney
Every year, New Year’s Eve brings joy, reflection, and, unfortunately, an increase in alcohol-related crashes. As people gather to celebrate, alcohol consumption rises, and so does the risk on the road. Despite decades of awareness campaigns and the widespread availability of rideshare options, drunk driving continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable deaths during the holidays. The data shows that while celebrations may last one night, the consequences of impaired driving can last a lifetime.
National Patterns: The Holiday Danger Zone
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve an alcohol-impaired driver. During the holiday season, those numbers rise sharply. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 4,900 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in December alone, and 1,038 of those deaths occurred in December 2023.
While national fatality numbers rise overall in December, the danger peaks after midnight. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the midnight to 3 a.m. window consistently records the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired fatal crashes, making the early hours of New Year’s Day especially hazardous.
In Colorado, the Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported 716 total traffic fatalities in 2023, with 218 of those deaths, nearly 30 percent, caused by impaired driving. While this figure marks a decline from 286 such fatalities in 2022, it remains a sobering reminder of the ongoing risk.
Together, these national and state statistics highlight one clear truth: New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights to be on the road.
Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving in Colorado
Driving under the influence in Colorado carries serious criminal and administrative penalties, even for a first offense. A first-time DUI can lead to jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, steeper fines, ignition interlock requirements, and extended license revocations.
Beyond criminal charges, impaired drivers who cause crashes may also face civil liability. Victims can file personal injury claims to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These consequences serve as a reminder that one impaired decision can change multiple lives in an instant.
Prevention Strategies: Plan Ahead, Stay Safe
The statistics don’t lie — most alcohol-related crashes are preventable. Simple planning before the party starts can mean the difference between a safe night and a tragic one.
Before you celebrate, consider these steps:
- Arrange a sober ride. Plan ahead to use a rideshare, taxi, or public transit if you intend to drink.
- Designate a driver. Choose someone who will remain sober throughout the night.
- Stay put. If you’re attending a house party or gathering, consider staying overnight instead of driving home.
- Look out for others. If someone you know is about to drive after drinking, step in. Take their keys, call them a ride, or offer them a place to stay.
According to NHTSA, choosing not to drive after drinking is one of the most effective ways to reduce alcohol-related fatalities. Prevention isn’t complicated; it’s a matter of planning and accountability.
Start the Year Safe and Informed
The numbers from NHTSA and CDOT make it clear: drunk driving remains a leading cause of traffic deaths, especially during New Year’s celebrations. While Colorado has made progress in reducing impaired-driving fatalities, hundreds of lives are still lost each year because of preventable decisions.
As you celebrate the start of a new year, remember that safety should come first. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk or impaired driver, contact the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, LLC today for a free consultation. Our team will help you understand your legal rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Let’s begin the new year responsibly, with safety, accountability, and the knowledge that one good decision can save a life.