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John J. Perconti is one of the nation’s leading medical malpractice attorneys with over 40 years of experience litigating medical malpractice and personal injury cases in state and federal courts. He studied pre-med before law school, which gave him an in-depth understanding of complex medical issues that have played an important role in his success. Having lost his father at age nine, he understands how injuries and deaths affect families. He has won numerous multimillion-dollar record verdicts. His honors and awards include a Lead Counsel Rating in Elder Law, Best Lawyers in America, and Illinois Super Lawyers.
Read Bio
John J. Perconti is one of the nation’s leading medical malpractice attorneys with over 40 years of experience litigating medical malpractice and personal injury cases in state and federal courts. He studied pre-med before law school, which gave him an in-depth understanding of complex medical issues that have played an important role in his success. Having lost his father at age nine, he understands how injuries and deaths affect families. He has won numerous multimillion-dollar record verdicts. His honors and awards include a Lead Counsel Rating in Elder Law, Best Lawyers in America, and Illinois Super Lawyers.
The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with friends and family to commemorate the year and reconnect with loved ones. However, with numerous holiday celebrations to attend, it’s important to remember that these events often involve alcohol and late evenings, making this festive season one of the most hazardous times to be on the road. December—especially Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day—consistently records a spike in alcohol-related crashes, making it critical to exercise caution when traveling during this time of year.
As you celebrate this season, keep these safety tips in mind and make a plan before heading out—and if you or someone you care about has been affected by drunk driving, the car accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti can help. Contact us or call (312) 332-2872 to schedule your free consultation and discuss your options.
Key Takeaways:
- Drinking and driving puts your life and others’ lives at risk and is never worth it.
- December consistently sees an increase in alcohol-related fatal car accidents.
- Making a plan of how you’ll get home before you begin drinking greatly reduces the risk of impaired driving.
- A rideshare, designated driver, or public transportation can provide a safer alternative to driving.
- Hosts can help prevent drunk driving by planning ahead and supporting guests who need a safe ride home.
Drinking at the Holiday Party? Have a Game Plan
Planning your transportation in advance is one of the most effective ways to prevent impaired driving. When you know how you’ll return home before you start drinking, you remove the pressure to make a last-minute decision—one that could put you or others in danger.
A plan can be simple: arranging a ride, choosing a designated driver, or confirming a safe place to stay. Having these options prepared ahead of time helps you celebrate responsibly and reduces the temptation to drive.
Choose a Designated Driver
If you’re attending a holiday gathering where alcohol will be served, consider asking someone in your group to be the designated driver. This person commits to remaining sober so everyone can get home safely.
Do not get in the car if your designated driver decides to drink after arriving at the event. Plans can change, and that is okay—just be prepared to choose another safe option, such as public transportation or a rideshare.
Use Rideshare Services Like Uber or Lyft
If no one in your group is able to drive, a rideshare is a reliable alternative—especially during late-night celebrations. Build the cost of a ride home into your holiday budget, and schedule the ride through the app before leaving if possible. Planning ahead removes uncertainty and ensures you have a safe option when the night is over.
Consider Public Transportation
If your city offers train or bus service, check the schedules ahead of time to see whether they line up with your plans. A local taxi service may also be available. These options can be excellent alternatives if you do not have a designated driver and want to avoid relying on a rideshare during peak holiday demand.
Stay the Night
If your celebration is at a friend’s or family member’s home, staying overnight may be the safest choice. You can plan this ahead of time or ask your host once you arrive if you feel uncomfortable driving later.
Know Your Plan Ahead of Time and Understand the Risks
Always plan how you’ll get home before attending a party, especially if you intend to drink. Alcohol affects everyone differently, and even small amounts can impair judgment or reaction time. Because factors like age, weight, gender, medications, food intake, and drinking pace all influence your blood alcohol content (BAC), there is no reliable way to self-assess sobriety. The safest choice is to avoid driving entirely after drinking.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that fatal crashes can occur even when a driver’s BAC is below the legal limit. These risks increase during the holidays when many people attend more events, stay out later, and deviate from their normal routines.
The Statistics Show the Risks
Driving during the holiday season is statistically more dangerous due to both increased travel and alcohol consumption. According to the NHTSA, 4,931 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in December between 2019 and 2023. Fatal drunk-driving crashes are more likely to occur at night and during the early morning hours, especially around major holidays.
We encourage everyone to enjoy time with loved ones while staying mindful of these risks. Responsible choices can make a life-saving difference.
Host Your Holiday Gathering Responsibly
If you’re hosting a party, you play an important role in helping guests make safe decisions. You can still enjoy the celebration while creating an environment that prioritizes safety.
Consider taking these steps as you prepare:
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages. Provide festive, alcohol-free drink options for guests who prefer not to drink or who are serving as designated drivers.
- Encourage guests to plan their transportation. Remind attendees to figure out their ride ahead of time and check in with anyone who seems unsure of their plan.
- Provide the option to stay overnight. If possible, let guests know they are welcome to spend the night if they do not feel comfortable driving.
- Avoid drinking games. Instead, plan alternative activities—board games, card games, or other fun group options.
- Show appreciation for sober drivers. If someone volunteers to drive others home safely, consider offering them a small thank-you, such as a homemade treat or a holiday-themed gift.
While you cannot control every guest’s decisions, these steps help create a safer environment for everyone attending your event.
Keep Yourself and Loved Ones Safe
Protecting yourself and others begins with small but meaningful choices. Consider the following when attending a holiday event:
- Limit your alcohol intake if you plan to drive home.
- Eat and hydrate throughout the evening to avoid accidentally overdrinking.
- Check in on friends or family who may appear intoxicated and help them find a safe way home.
- Do not allow anyone to drive drunk. If necessary, encourage them to stay or arrange alternative transportation.
Even if you’re sober, remain alert on the way home. Impaired drivers can act unpredictably. If you see notice unsafe driving, such as swerving or sudden braking, add space between your vehicles. Call 911 to report any concerning behavior exhibited by the other driver—but only when safe to do so.
How to Identify Potential Drunk Drivers
Impaired drivers may show warning signs that indicate they should not be on the road. Behaviors may include:
- Drifting into other lanes
- Driving far below the speed limit
- Frequent or erratic braking
- Sudden acceleration or slowing
- Failing to respond to traffic signals
- Making abrupt or unsafe turns
If you believe a driver is drunk, do not try to stop them or follow them. Alert the authorities, and try to note the license plate number, as well as the color, make, and model of the vehicle, if possible. Report the location where you saw the driver, including the highway you were on, the direction they were traveling, and any erratic behavior you observed.
By making a plan before you celebrate and staying mindful of potential risks, you can help ensure a safer holiday season for yourself, your family, and your community.
We hope you enjoy a safe holiday season!
