Florida Holiday DUI Statistics – Latest Statistics

Holidays are a time for rest, relaxation, and time spent with loved ones. Unfortunately, these special days can also pose unique threats on the roads. It is important to know the latest Florida holiday DUI statistics so you can understand the potential dangers that may arise.

About Us

The Law Office of Donald P. Day has spent years representing the people of Naples, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding cities in Southwest Florida in their DUI cases. Our legal team has decades of combined experience, litigating cases ranging from DUIs to murder charges. Our founder, Donald Day, was one of the first attorneys in Florida to successfully exclude field sobriety tests from consideration in DUI cases.

Overview of Florida DUI Cases

DUIs remain a prevalent public health concern throughout the nation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that, in 2023, 12,429 people died due to alcohol-impaired driving, or an average of 34 people every day. In Florida, one in three fatal crashes is caused by impairment. You don’t have to be on a major route like Interstate 95, 4, or 75 for a tragedy to occur.

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are some of the most frequent types of crimes in Florida. Per the state’s DUI laws, a DUI occurs when an individual is caught operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol (BAC) level of 0.08 percent, or any amount of a controlled or chemical substance. In 2024, the drugs most involved in DUI arrests were marijuana, with 212 arrests, amphetamine, at 64, and a broad collection of non-specific drugs, at 119.

Penalties for DUIs depend on aggravating factors and the person’s driving history. Typical punishments include license revocation, fines, installation of an ignition interlock device, probation, or even imprisonment.

The DUI Statistics for Different Holidays in Florida

Certain holidays tend to result in increased DUI arrests. These include:

• Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has a higher risk not only for drivers to be involved in accidents but also for pedestrians. In 2022, it was estimated that 28% of fatal crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday season involved impairment by drugs or alcohol. Out of these incidents, pedestrians were over 23 times more likely to die in an accident.
• New Year’s Day. New Year’s is a holiday that historically involves heavy drinking. One study found that, in 2023, New Year’s Day had a 117% higher-than-average risk for a DUI fatality.
• Fourth of July. Independence Day is second to New Year’s Day in heightened risk, accounting for a 77% increase in DUI fatality chances. In 2023 alone, 617 people died in accidents across the country, 38% of which included drunk driving.
• The Christmas season. December, Christmas, and the holiday season have some of the worst rates of DUIs. In 2022, the month saw the most drunk driving deaths for any month in the past 15 years.
• Labor Day. Labor Day weekend has historically seen a sharp rise in fatalities caused by drunk driving. In 2022, over 50 percent of all fatalities that occurred during the holiday period were due to an impaired driver.
• Spring Break. While it may not be considered a holiday, spring break is a consistent time for heightened risk on the road. In 2022, March accounted for nearly 10% of all impaired-driving crashes statewide that year. Additionally, March has been historically the highest month for open-container violations and citations for DUIs.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

No matter the day or month, a Florida DUI charge can come with life-altering consequences. Hire a DUI lawyer to assist you through this troubling period in your life. They can advocate for you at each step of the process, from the initial charges to your final court verdict. Experienced legal counsel can defend you against police misconduct and faulty claims.

If you feel guilty, a DUI attorney can negotiate a settlement with the courts that lowers punishments and mitigates the impact of the case on your life.

FAQs

What Blood Alcohol Level Results in a DUI in Florida?

In Florida, the common blood alcohol level that constitutes a DUI is 0.08 percent. Commercial drivers have a BAC limit of 0.04. If a person is under the age of 21, the limit is only 0.02 or higher. There is no specified blood alcohol level for controlled substances, but a positive test for any drug results in evidence of a DUI.

How Much Does a DUI Attorney Cost in Florida?

How much your Florida DUI attorney costs depends on the complexity of your case, the severity of your charges, and the work hours required. A first-time offender with no aggravating factors will pay less than someone with multiple DUI convictions who allegedly injured someone due to their impairment. The Law Office of Donald P. Day can provide a rough estimate of your legal expenses during your initial consultation.

Do Holidays Have Higher Rates of DUIs in Florida?

In Florida, holidays of all types have higher rates of DUIs compared to an average day. One reason for this increase is that many holidays are associated with higher rates of drinking while celebrating. Combined with the larger traffic volumes, the result is a higher risk of impairment-involved accidents. Other details that contribute to DUIs include the increase in out-of-town drivers and fatigue after long travel days.

What Holiday Produces the Most DUIs in Florida?

In Florida, the holiday that carries the highest risk for a DUI charge or related crash is New Year’s Day. A study estimated that your risk of being involved in a fatal accident with an impaired driver increases by 117% on that day. Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, and Memorial Day were the other four highest-risk days for DUI fatalities in the same overview. Each holiday carries its own heightened risk for impaired driving accidents.

Speak With a Florida DUI Attorney Today

The Law Office of Donald P. Day knows how intimidating facing a DUI charge can be. Our team has the legal knowledge, skills, and experience to achieve a positive outcome in your case.

Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can learn your story and provide potential legal options in your DUI case.