What Day Of The Week Do Most Drunk Driving Accidents Occur?

Drunk driving accidents happen most often on weekends, with Saturday being the most dangerous day of the week. Analysis of national crash data from 2018 to 2022 shows that about 22% of all DUI-related collisions occur on Saturdays, followed closely by Sundays. These accidents are more likely during late-night hours and holiday weekends, when alcohol use and social activities increase.

Several factors contribute to this spike in weekend DUI crashes. More people attend parties and events where alcohol is served, fewer rely on public transportation late at night, and many drivers feel less pressure to wake up early the next day. These conditions create a perfect storm for impaired driving.

If you or someone you love got hurt in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A DUI accident victim lawyer can explain your legal options, gather evidence, and help you build a strong injury claim.

When Drunk Driving Accidents Happen The Most

Weekends see more drunk driving accidents due to increased alcohol consumption, late-night driving, and fewer next-day obligations.

Here’s what the data shows about the timing of drunk driving incidents throughout the week:

These crashes often happen because some drivers overestimate their ability to drive safely after drinking or fail to plan a sober ride home.

Our car accident lawyers here at AK Law Firm provide free accident lawyer advice during the initial consultation if a drunk driver injured you. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a meeting.

Why Weekends See More Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are more common on weekends due to increased social activity, late-night driving, and relaxed weekend routines. Here’s why:

More Social Events And Parties

Weekends often involve parties, concerts, and family gatherings. Some drivers overestimate their ability to drive safely after drinking. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time.

Holiday weekends see even higher crash rates. These are often the times when most DUI (driving under the influence) accidents occur. To stay safe, consider:

• Selecting a designated driver.
• Booking a rideshare or taxi.
• Staying where you are instead of trying to drive after drinking.

In rural areas with fewer transportation options, people may be more likely to drive after drinking.

Frequency Of Late-Night Driving

Weekend nights bring more late-night drivers, and driving after dark is already riskier. Late-night drivers face several challenges that make accidents more likely, such as:

• Fatigue — Drivers may feel tired or less alert, which slows their reaction time.
• Low Visibility — It’s harder to see clearly in the dark, especially if there are no streetlights or if weather conditions are bad.

Less Responsibility The Next Day

Without school or work the next morning, weekend drivers may drink more freely and take more risks. According to research:

• Alcohol increases risk-taking behavior.
• Drivers often misjudge their level of impairment.

These are some reasons why more accidents happen on weekends. Knowing this can help people be more careful when driving on these busier days.

If you’re hurt in a weekend DUI crash, DUI accident victim lawyers can guide you through your legal options.

How Drinking Alcohol May Lead To Accidents

Alcohol impairs many functions necessary for safe driving. Here are some reasons why alcohol may cause collisions:

• Reduced Focus and Attention — Alcohol slows brain function, affecting awareness.
• Tiredness and Drowsiness — Drunk drivers may fall asleep behind the wheel.
• Loss of Coordination — Alcohol may affect motor skills, making it difficult to steer properly and keep a steady speed. It also makes focusing more difficult.
• Poor Decision-Making — People who drink often make unsafe choices like speeding, running red lights, or making illegal turns, increasing accident risk.
• Impaired Vision and Depth Perception — Alcohol impairs drivers’ ability to judge distances and see clearly, increasing the risk of missing other cars, pedestrians, or hazards.

Driving under the influence is illegal and puts everyone at risk. When these accidents happen, proving fault becomes essential. Drunk driving accident lawyers can help gather critical proof such as police reports, blood test results, and witness accounts.

Impact Of Drunk Driving Accidents

Understanding when drunk driving accidents happen can help you stay alert on the road. If you’re filing an injury claim, the timing of the crash may also affect your case. It can influence who is at fault, what evidence is available, and how much compensation you may be able to recover. The following sections explain how drunk driving accidents can affect your health, finances, and legal claim.

Common Crash Types And Who They Affect

Drunk drivers can cause various crashes, from fender benders to serious fatal car accidents, including pedestrian accidents, single-vehicle crashes, and multi-vehicle collisions. According to the 2022 NHTSA report:

• 33% (7,204) of fatal single-vehicle crashes involved alcohol.
• 15% (5,752) of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involved alcohol.

Of the fatalities:

• 59% were drunk drivers.
• 12% were their passengers.
• 16% were people in other vehicles.
• 12% were non-occupants (e.g., pedestrians and bicyclists).

These numbers show that alcohol-impaired driving can harm anyone. It’s important to learn what steps to take if a drunk driver hits you. Vehicle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options.

Damages

The tragic reality of drunk driving accidents is the serious losses victims often face. Injuries often result from these accidents, including:

• Broken bones
• Brain and head injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding
• Facial injuries
• Amputations (loss of limbs)

Due to these injuries, victims may suffer not just pain, but also financial losses. Lawyers for drunk driving accidents often help victims recover:

• Medical Costs — Medical costs include hospital stays, emergency care, and medication. If the injury needs ongoing treatment, they may also include physical therapy, chiropractic care, or counseling.
• Lost Income — Some injuries take a long time to heal. If the victim can’t work during this period, they may be able to recover the wages they would have earned. If the injury results in long-term disability, they may also seek compensation for future lost income.
• Property Damage — This helps victims pay to repair or replace their vehicle after a crash.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses — These are additional costs the victim had to cover because of the injury. They might include rides to the hospital, assistance at home, or other unforeseen expenses.

If a DUI crash results in a fatality, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to cover burial costs, funeral expenses, and loss of financial support. Lawyers representing DUI accident victims can guide families through this process and help them seek appropriate compensation.

How To Protect Yourself From Drunk Drivers

Now that we know that weekends have the most drunk driving incidents, we can be more cautious while driving during these days. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting involved in a drunk driving accident:

Be Extra Careful At Night

Most alcohol-related crashes happen after dark. NHTSA’s 2022 data shows they’re nearly three times more likely than daytime incidents. Nighttime driving can be especially dangerous because impaired drivers may have trouble seeing other vehicles, traffic signals, or pedestrians.

Tips for safe night driving:

• Avoid bar-heavy areas.
• Watch for drunk pedestrians.
• Stay alert on all roads, be they urban or rural.

If a DUI crash involves a pedestrian, pedestrian accident lawyers, who also handle DUI-related cases, can review the situation and advise on potential legal options for victims.

Know The Dangerous Holidays

Some holidays see more drunk driving incidents due to increased alcohol use. The most common ones include:

• New Year’s Eve
• Fourth of July
• St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
• Memorial Day
• Labor Day
• Christmas Eve

These days also see a higher risk of serious crashes, including head-on collisions, because impaired drivers may drift into oncoming lanes or misjudge turns. If you’re going out these days, use extra caution or consider getting a ride instead of driving yourself.

If a head-on crash occurs, head-on collision attorneys can review the facts of your case and advise you on possible legal options related to injuries, medical costs, and other losses.

Watch For Signs Of Drunk Driving

Drunk drivers often show strange or unsafe driving behavior. Look out for these warning signs:

• Weaving between lanes.
• Sudden stops or braking too hard.
• Speeding up or slowing down randomly.
• Driving without headlights at night.
• Ignoring traffic signals.
• Driving too close to other cars.
• Nearly hitting curbs or other vehicles.

If you see a driver acting this way, keep your distance and report them to help prevent a potential accident. If a crash occurs, collision lawyers can help victims understand their legal options.

Keep A Safe Following Distance

Always keep a safe distance between your car and others, especially if a driver is acting strangely. Use the “3-Second Rule.” Choose a landmark like a tree or sign, and count three seconds after the car in front passes it before you react. This buffer gives you enough time to stop if something unexpected happens.

In bad weather or poor visibility, increase your following distance even more. Driving too fast in the rain is also very risky. These conditions, combined with the possibility of another driver being drunk, can increase the chance of a crash.

Be Careful At Intersections

Intoxicated drivers often make mistakes at intersections, increasing the risk of intersection accidents. They might not:

• Yield the right of way.
• Stop at red lights.
• Pay attention to flashing red or yellow lights.

Always stay alert to other cars when you’re driving through intersections, even if you have the right of way. It’s always safer to let someone else go first rather than risk a collision. It also helps to know how much space to leave between cars when stopped at a light.

During nighttime driving, traffic lights might flash red or yellow instead of showing their normal colors. Be sure to stop at flashing red lights and slow down at flashing yellow lights, even if other drivers aren’t doing the same.

Stay Focused And Avoid Distractions

You can’t control other drivers, but you can control your actions. Staying alert helps reduce the risk of distracted driving accidents. Avoid distractions like:

• Using your phone.
• Eating or drinking.
• Other types of distractions.

If you stay focused, you’ll be better prepared to react quickly if someone nearby is driving dangerously.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

Wearing seatbelts is truly life-saving. In 201, they helped save around 14,955 lives, according to NHTSA. Another 2,549 lives could have been saved that year if everyone had worn one. It’s also good to remember that 65% of alcohol-impaired drivers who lost their lives in crashes weren’t wearing seat belts, which makes wearing them even more important.

Always keep in mind that your seatbelt is a highly effective safeguard in a crash, especially since you can’t always anticipate what other drivers might do. If a drunk driver causes a sudden collision, wearing your seatbelt can really help lessen the chances of serious injuries. Be sure to buckle up every time, even if you’re just going on a quick trip.

Know What To Do When A Collision Actually Occurs

It is best to know what to do if you were not able to prevent the accident. Here are some actions that can protect your well-being and rights.

• Call 911 for emergency assistance.
• Seek immediate medical help.
• Document the accident scene.
• Exchange information with the other driver.
• Report the incident to the authorities.

When a crash involves an alcohol-impaired driver, there’s a possibility that the driver at fault might try to run away. This can happen because driving drunk is illegal, and they may want to avoid more trouble. That’s why it’s helpful to know what steps to take after a hit-and-run incident. In these situations, having the support of hit-and-run accident attorneys can make a big difference.

If you or a loved one got hurt by a drunk driver, whether the motorist stayed or tried to run away, injury attorneys can help you understand your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Which Day Of The Week Most Drunk Driving Accidents Occur

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about drunk driving accidents. Our personal injury lawyers have answered these questions to help people better understand the risks, the law, and what to do if they are involved in this type of situation. However, if you need personalized advice, call us at (888) 488-1391.

What Day Of The Week Do Most Drunk Driving Accidents Occur?

NHTSA crash data highlights when DUI-related accidents happen most often:

• Saturday has the highest number of alcohol-impaired crashes.
• Sunday follows closely, also showing elevated DUI crash rates.
• Weekends overall account for a large portion of drunk driving fatalities.

A DUI accident victim attorney can outline your legal options and help you pursue compensation after a drunk driving injury.

Which State Has The Most Fatal Alcohol-Impaired Driving Accidents?

Federal crash statistics show that:

• Texas recorded the most alcohol-related traffic deaths in 2022, with 1,869 fatalities.
• California followed with 1,479 deaths linked to impaired driving.
• Across the U.S., over 13,524 people lost their lives in crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver.

Texas had the most alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2022, followed by California. If you’ve lost a loved one in a similar crash, fatal car accident lawyers can guide you through your legal options.

Who Is Liable In Drunk Driving Accidents?

Typically, the drunk driver is responsible for these incidents. If you got hurt in such a crash, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. It can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Emotional distress

In some situations, others may also share legal responsibility. This includes dram shop or social host liability, and it applies when someone else contributes to the impaired driver’s actions. For example:

• A bar or restaurant that serves alcohol to a minor.
• A party host who knowingly gave alcohol to someone underage.

Keep in mind that these laws can vary from state to state. In California, for instance, a host can only be held liable if they:

• Knowingly served alcohol to a person under 21, and
• That underage person caused an accident that led to injury.

An attorney experienced in DUI accident claims can help you understand the specific laws that might apply to your case.

What Is “Blood Alcohol Level”?

Blood alcohol content (BAC), also called blood alcohol level, shows how much alcohol is in your blood. When police officers arrest someone for drunk driving, they check BAC levels to see how intoxicated they are. You might wonder, “Why does this matter?”

• A BAC less than 0.0% means the person is completely sober.
• At 0.02% BAC, a person may feel a little sleepy, relaxed, or more emotional.
• At a BAC of 0.05%, sleepiness, poor decisions, and loss of self-control may occur.
• At 0.08% BAC, a person may not notice danger, and their coordination worsens.
• At a BAC of 0.10%, a person’s judgment weakens, their speech may slur, and their reaction times slow down.

In California, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of:

• 0.08% or higher for drivers over 21 years old.
• 0.01% or higher for motorists under 21 years old.
• 0.01% or higher for anyone on DUI probation, no matter the age.
• 0.04% or higher for commercial vehicle drivers who require a special license.
• 0.04% or higher for vehicle operators transporting passengers.

If you get involved in an accident with a driver who is intoxicated, consider reaching out to a drunk driving accident lawyer. They can work closely with law enforcement to gather important records. Police reports often include details from field sobriety tests, such as breathalyzer or blood test results, which can provide clear evidence of how much alcohol was in the driver’s system.

I Was Injured In A Car Accident While Riding As A Passenger. The Driver Was Drunk And Crashed Into A Fence. Do I Have The Right To Sue Him?

In most situations, yes, everyone on the road, drivers and pedestrians alike, should always exercise caution and act responsibly. Being intoxicated doesn’t exempt a driver from their responsibilities. However, if you’re a passenger who knew the driver was drunk and still decided to ride along, it might be more challenging to pursue legal action.

Sometimes, the court could interpret that the passenger accepted the risk by getting into the vehicle. If you’re dealing with a DUI accident, consulting with a skilled DUI accident victim lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the process with care.

Legal Help Is Here For Victims Of Drunk Driving Accidents

No matter when or where a drunk driving accident happens, you have the right to seek compensation. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer after a drunk driving accident?” the answer is most likely yes. Our personal injury attorneys here at Arash Law are dedicated to supporting victims of drunk driving crashes.

We truly believe that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or legal status. We stand by all victims, including those who are undocumented. If English isn’t your first language, that’s perfectly okay; we have friendly bilingual staff ready to help.

If coming to us isn’t convenient, don’t worry, we’ll come to you anywhere in California. Give us a call at (888) 488-1391 to arrange a free initial consultation. If you’d like, you can also learn more about how our process works before making a decision.