Winter is a beautiful time of year; however, in the Carolinas, it is also one of the most dangerous seasons for drunk driving accidents. Experienced car accident lawyers analyze crash data for the two states, uncovering key trends and contributing factors. This insight helps raise awareness and promote safer driving practices during the winter months.
Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers’ analysis of state crash data reveals that 8.6% of winter crashes, totaling 309 incidents, are due to impaired driving. Christmas poses the highest risk, with 2,694 accidents reported in 2023, followed by New Year’s, with 898 incidents.
South Carolina fares worse, ranking among the states with the highest rates of drunk driving. In 2022, 43% of all crashes in the state were linked to impaired driving.
As the winter holidays approach, use this quick checklist before starting your engine to ensure safe travels:
- Ensure your car is ready for a long drive
- Have an emergency roadside kit
- Leave early
- Wear a seatbelt
- Avoid distractions like texting/radio
- Travel at a safe speed
- Don’t drive while drunk
Preventing drunk driving starts with planning ahead. If you intend to drink, arrange for a designated driver, use rideshare services, or rely on public transportation. Avoid getting behind the wheel if you feel even slightly impaired, as alcohol affects judgment and reaction times.
December is recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a critical time to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
This initiative promotes safe driving practices and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety to prevent road tragedies during the holidays and throughout the year.
Holidays and Drunk Driving
The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and travel. However, the increased activity on the roads also increases the risk of accidents. With more people traveling and festivities often involving alcohol, prioritize safety to ensure the holidays remain a time of joy.
Hazardous road conditions often make holiday travel more dangerous. Icy, slick, or wet surfaces can drastically reduce a vehicle’s traction, increasing the risk of losing control and causing an accident. Snow and freezing rain add to the challenge by impairing visibility and extending stopping distances.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), other factors that influence the high accident rates during the winter:
- Distracted driving
- Heavy traffic
- Drowsy driving increases accidents
- Speeding
- Lane departure
- Driver error
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Aggressive driving
Drunk driving accidents can occur at any time, but statistics reveal that the majority happen between midnight and 3 a.m. This period often coincides with the conclusion of social events, bars, and parties, when people are more likely to be impaired from drinking.
What Is Considered Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving, also referred to as Driving While Impaired (DWI) in North Carolina and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in South Carolina, is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
In both states, a driver is considered impaired if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher for individuals aged 21 and over, or 0.04% for commercial drivers. For drivers under 21, a zero-tolerance policy applies, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in legal consequences.
Impairment is not limited to alcohol; driving under the influence of drugs, whether illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter, can also result in DWI or DUI charges.
How to Get to Your Destination Safely
Given the increased risk of drunk driving during the winter holidays, take proactive measures to ensure your safety on the road. To protect yourself and others, plan your trips carefully, avoid driving under the influence, and stay alert to the behavior of other drivers.
Our experienced car accident lawyers recommend essential strategies to ensure you arrive at your destination safely:
- Ensure your vehicle is road–ready: Check that your car is in good condition, including tire pressure, oil, brakes, and lights, to avoid breakdowns during your journey.
- Get an emergency kit: Keep your vehicle stocked with an emergency kit, including items like blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food.
- Get adequate rest: Ensure you are well-rested before traveling, as drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.
- Leave early: It’s always a good idea to get on the road ahead of time. This allows you to avoid heavy traffic and ensures you have ample time to reach your destination without the stress of rushing.
- Avoid distractions: Stay focused on the road by limiting distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving.
- Drive defensively: Be aware of other drivers, especially those who may be impaired. Keep a safe distance, anticipate potential hazards, and avoid aggressive driving.
- Travel at a safe speed: Always drive within the speed limit and adjust your speed to match road and weather conditions for a safer journey.
Tips for Preventing Drunk Driving
Preventing drunk driving during holiday festivities requires careful planning, personal responsibility, and a commitment to safety. The holiday season often involves increased alcohol consumption, which can impair judgment and reaction times, making it essential to take proactive steps.
Here are a few important tips to keep in mind while enjoying the holiday festivities with family and friends:
- Designate a sober driver if you plan to have a drink or two.
- Use ride-sharing services, as they often offer discounts during the holidays to ensure safe transportation.
- Prepare to stay overnight by informing your host in advance so they can make arrangements for your stay.
- Limit your alcohol intake and avoid overindulging in holiday cocktails.
- Offer non-alcoholic drink options at your gatherings to encourage responsible drinking.
- Avoid peer pressure and be prepared to say no to offers of alcohol if you plan on driving.
- Keep a phone charger on hand to ensure you can easily call a rideshare service or a friend for a safe ride home.
The Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a serious offense with significant legal consequences that vary by state. Both North Carolina and South Carolina impose strict penalties to deter impaired driving and protect public safety. These consequences include substantial fines, jail time, and the suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
Repeat offenses or aggravated circumstances, such as causing injury or death, can result in even harsher penalties, including felony charges.
The penalties for DWI in North Carolina include:
| Offense Level | Fines | Imprisonment | Other Penalties |
| Level V | Up to $200 | Jail sentence of 24 hours to 60 days. | 24 hours of community service, no driving for 30 days. |
| Level IV | Up to $500 | Jail sentence of 48 hours to 120 days. | 48 hours of community service, no driving for 60 days. |
| Level III | Up to $1,000 | Jail sentence of 72 hours to six months. | 72 hours of community service, no driving for 90 days. |
| Level II | Up to $2,000 | Jail sentence of seven days to one year. | Minimum sentence cannot be suspended. |
| Level I | Up to $4,000 | Jail sentence of 30 days to two years. | Minimum sentence cannot be suspended. |
The South Carolina DUI penalties are:
| Offense Level | Fines | Imprisonment | Other Penalties |
| First Offense | Up to $400 ($992 with surcharges) | 48 hours to 30 days | Six-month license suspension. |
| Second Offense | $2,100 to $5,100 ($10,744.50 with surcharges) | 5 days to one year | One-year license suspension. |
| Third Offense | $3,800 to $6,300 ($13,234.50 with surcharges) | 60 days to three years | Two-year license suspension (four years if within five years of the first offense). Vehicle confiscation may apply. |
| Fourth/Subsequent | N/A | One to five years | Permanent license revocation. |
| Felony DUI (Great Bodily Injury) | $5,100 to $10,100 ($21,119.50 with surcharges) | 30 days to 15 years | |
| Felony DUI (Death) | $10,100 to $25,100 ($52,244.50 with surcharges) | One to 25 years |
Learn more about the legal consequences of drunk driving in South Carolina and North Carolina in our “Drunk Driver” blog archives.
Celebrate Responsibly, Drive Safely
The legal team at Auger & Auger concludes: “These alarming statistics highlight the broader impact of drunk driving during the holidays; it poses a significant public safety threat. By recognizing contributing factors such as hazardous road conditions, drowsy driving, and holiday celebrations, we can adopt effective strategies to protect lives and ensure safer roads for all”.
As the holiday season approaches, prioritizing road safety becomes more critical than ever. In North Carolina, 8.6% of winter crashes are attributed to drunk driving, while South Carolina reports a staggering 43% of crashes involving alcohol.
Christmas and New Year’s are particularly dangerous times to travel, with added risks from slick roads, drowsy drivers, and festive celebrations. However, proactive measures can significantly reduce these numbers and prevent tragedies.
Simple actions like preparing your vehicle, staying focused behind the wheel, and making responsible choices at holiday gatherings can save lives. Avoid distractions, drive at safe speeds, and plan ahead if alcohol is part of your festivities. Encourage loved ones to adopt these practices by sharing tips and leading by example.
Let’s make sure the holidays remain a time for joy, not sorrow. Together, we can create safer roads by making safety a priority. If you see someone in need of help getting home, offer assistance or suggest a rideshare service; it could save a life.
This season, let’s commit to safe driving and help everyone reach their destinations to celebrate with the people who matter most.
