Davis Law Group, P.S.

Holidays Bring More Drunk Driving Crashes

Many people don't realize that there are many more drunken-driving crashes that occur during the holiday season. 

"We don't want to frighten people unnecessarily," Washington State Patrol Trooper Jeff Merrill said. "We just want drivers to be cognizant that on those days, they have a higher chance of running into an impaired motorist than on other days."

There were more December alcohol-related crashes in King County than any other month in the past two years, state Department of Transportation records show, and police expect hundreds of impaired drivers to get behind the wheel in the next few days.

Last year, the county's highest daily number of alcohol-related crashes -- 18 -- happened on Dec. 23, and the 48 tallied statewide was second only to New Year's Day, which saw 50.

The two days before Christmas each had 45 alcohol-related accidents statewide in 2005 -- the highest single-day number for the month of December, ranking both in the top five days statewide.

In the past two years, five people have been killed in alcohol-related crashes in the state on the two days before Christmas.

The holidays in general can be stressful, and people tend to drink more in the days before Christmas, knowing that they have time off to recuperate, police and substance abuse experts say.

"People often don't realize how much alcohol they're consuming when they're socializing," said Jim Vollendroff, King County's substance abuse prevention and treatment coordinator. "And it's not uncommon for people that have alcohol problems to relapse because of the holiday stress."

Seattle police did not disclose specifics, but said that through Jan. 5, the number of officers dedicated to looking for impaired drivers is roughly double the number typically on DUI patrol.

So far, the emphasis has worked. State Patrol troopers specifically looking for drunken drivers have reduced the number of alcohol-related collisions and increased the number of DUI arrests over the same period last year (from Nov. 21 through Dec. 18).

A State Patrol analysis of 2006 DUI arrest reports showed 43 people said that before being stopped, they last drank at the Muckleshoot Indian Casino in Auburn, which had the most reported DUI connections of any King County establishment.

Trooper Joe Gannon, one of the seven State Patrol officers on DUI emphasis in King County, said there are several telltale signs of an impaired driver. He looks for wide turns, vehicles that stop a bit into an intersection, swerving into other lanes and a slow reaction time to police lights.

One Snohomish County family knows all too well the tragic consequences of drinking and driving.  Hannah Zylstra was a Snohomish High School junior who got excellent grades.  Her worst grade was an A-.  She loved her family and knew what was right, said her dad, Fred Zylstra. But anyone can make mistakes.

Hannah was at a party last Dec. 23 where she drank with classmates before trying to get home before her 11 p.m. curfew. Her red Chevrolet collided with an SUV near Monroe.  Hannah died in the crash.  Hannah's sister was a passenger who suffered serious injuries, including the loss of sight in her right eye and nerve damage in her leg.  The family spent last Christmas Eve in the hospital, where Hannah's sister underwent surgeries on her face and leg. This year will be the first Christmas without Hannah.

Fred Zylstra and his family plan to spend Sunday at their church, which helped them through what he called the most difficult time of his life. One of the hardest parts is looking at pictures -- seeing her smile, remembering her voice -- and knowing she won't accomplish her dreams, Zylstra said.

The aftermath of a drunk driving crash can have far reaching consequences, not the least of which may be permanent loss of life or life-long injuries.  Young adults especially need to be aware of what can happen if they choose to drink and drive.  Many times young people think they are invincible and have no idea what a serious car accident can do.

If you have been injured or maimed as a result of a drunk driving accident, please call the Davis Law Group, P.S.  We have represented dozens of drunk driving accident victims over the years.  We are familiar with the evidentiary requirements of the BAC breath test readings.  We have access to reputable and skilled experts, including those that specialize in accident reconstruction, breath-alcohol levels, pathologists, and surgeons and other physicians who treat trauma patients.  Call 206-727-4000 for a free consultation to learn more about your rights.