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Thanksgiving and DUI Accidents

Posted by Jeremy Rosenthal | Nov 19, 2020 | 0 Comments

Thanksgiving is a peak time for drunk driving arrests and DUI accidents in Colorado and across the country. Many visitors and residents in Denver and Boulder will use Lyft or Uber as a way to have a few drinks and avoid the dangers of impaired driving. Unfortunately, anyone on the road over the long holiday weekend may be at an increased risk of getting hit by a drunk driver.

Why Do DUIs Increase Over Thanksgiving

Accidents over Thanksgiving may also increase because it is typically associated with more driving as people from all over the country drive to visit family for the 4-day weekend. Many of the drivers are also traveling long distances and driving at night, which may increase the risk of drowsy driving. However, there are a few reasons why Thanksgiving is associated with an increase in drunk driving. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2013 and 2017, more than 800 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The period lasts from the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving to the following Monday morning. 

One of the biggest nights of drunk driving is the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, when adults return to their childhood home and meet up with former schoolmates, neighbors, and relatives to have some drinks before the feast on Thursday. This date has been dubbed “Blackout Wednesday,” “Drinksgiving,” or “Thanksgiving Eve.” It is also called “Danksgiving” for people who want to use some recreational marijuana while in Colorado. 

Using a Lyft or Uber After Drinking

Lyft and Uber provide a convenient alternative to public transportation, calling a taxi, or relying on a designated driver. A rideshare may help passengers avoid the temptation of driving home after having a few drinks out with friends. However, passengers may still be involved in an accident if another drunk driver hits their ride. 

In some cases, the Lyft driver or Uber driver may actually be impaired, which is not only against the rideshare policies but is also illegal. Police and law enforcement are well aware of the peak in DUIs over Thanksgiving and have increased patrols out looking for suspected drunk drivers. 

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local police department's enforcement periods ramp up during the Friday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after. This 10-day enforcement period will use saturation patrols to target drivers who are suspected of impaired driving. 

A Lyft or Uber ride will help residents and visitors avoid a costly drunk driving arrest and avoid the possibility of getting into a car accident with a blood-alcohol level over the limit. However, it is important for passengers to understand the limitations of using a rideshare service. The rideshare driver is still a stranger and you may have no idea about their driving record, criminal record, or history of substance abuse. 

Drunk Driver Accidents in Colorado

An impaired driver on the road can cause injury to passengers, or others on the road. If you were injured in a traffic accident involving an impaired driver, you can seek compensation for your injuries. Contact accidentdenver.com today at 303-642-8888 for a free consultation. We are here waiting for you.

About the Author

Jeremy Rosenthal

Attorney Jeremy Rosenthal is dedicated to helping his clients seek just compensation for their injuries regardless of the lengths he has to go to or the distances he may have to travel in order to get it.

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