Holiday weekends in Fort Collins often bring more than celebration; they get a surge in impaired driving accidents that leave people facing injuries, medical bills, and long recovery periods.
What holiday has the most drunk drivers? According to the Colorado State Patrol, St. Patrick’s Day consistently ranks as the deadliest holiday for DUI-related crashes, with 1,944 impaired-driving incidents reported in 2023 alone.
Other high-risk holidays include the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and Thanksgiving. At Cannon Law, we help those injured in holiday-related car accidents understand their rights and pursue full compensation. Speaking with an experienced Fort Collins Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer can give you the guidance you need to move forward after a serious crash.
CALL US (970) 471-7170Holidays With the Highest Rates of DUI Arrests
Among the holidays with the most drunk driving arrests, St. Patrick’s Day leads the list year after year. But it’s not the only day to be aware of increased DUI risk. Other high-risk holidays include:
- Fourth of July: Alcohol-fueled celebrations and fireworks often result in late-night driving under the influence.
- New Year’s Eve: Known nationwide for increased fatalities related to impaired driving.
- Labor Day: The end-of-summer holiday frequently sees a spike in DUI arrests, which is why national safety campaigns like Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are strategically launched during this period to raise awareness and increase enforcement.
- Thanksgiving Weekend: Particularly the evening before the holiday, a popular drinking night known as “Blackout Wednesday.”
Each of these dates represents heightened DUI enforcement and a greater likelihood of encountering impaired drivers on the road, especially in areas like downtown Fort Collins or near community events.
Why Drunk Driving Increases During the Holidays
To understand the question, what holiday has the most drunk drivers? It’s essential to examine the behaviors that drive the numbers up. Holidays tend to change drinking habits, leading to riskier decisions behind the wheel. Contributing factors include:
- Increased alcohol consumption at social events.
- Late-night travel after parties or bar outings.
- A belief that driving a short distance while intoxicated is “safe”.
- Lack of planning for alternate transportation.
Celebrations during holidays often lower inhibitions. Combined with emotional stress, travel fatigue, or loneliness, alcohol use can escalate quickly, especially in group settings where peer pressure overrides better judgment.
In Fort Collins, areas near Colorado State University, breweries, and holiday events are primarily active during these times. Unfortunately, this also means more opportunities for holiday impaired driving accidents.
Colorado DUI Statistics Around Major Holidays
Colorado has taken steps to address the rise in DUIs around holidays, but the numbers still reveal concerning trends. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, St. Patrick’s Day ranked as the highest DUI crash day in 2023, with 1,944 incidents reported. Comparatively:
- Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve also see surges in DUI crashes.
- Holiday weekends consistently result in increased patrols and targeted enforcement across Colorado.
- DUI-related crashes are more frequent during evening and early morning hours.
So, what holiday has the most drunk drivers in Colorado? The answer is clear: St. Patrick’s Day. The combination of daylong celebrations and widespread drinking makes it the deadliest holiday for impaired driving crashes.
Tips to Stay Safe and Avoid Drunk Drivers in Fort Collins
While you can’t prevent others from driving under the influence, taking proactive steps can lower your chances of being involved in a crash. Consider the following during high-risk holidays:
- Avoid driving late at night, especially between 10 PM and 3 AM.
- Use rideshare services or designated drivers when attending events with alcohol.
- Plan your route to avoid congested nightlife areas or party zones.
- Watch for signs of erratic driving and report suspected impaired drivers.
- Keep extra distance between you and other vehicles during known DUI periods.
Families with children or elderly passengers should consider limiting travel during holiday peak hours altogether, especially in the evening, when drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur.
Being aware of what holiday has the most drunk drivers empowers you to make safer choices and reduce the chances of serious harm during DUI-heavy times in Fort Collins.
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Speak With a Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer
Knowing what holiday has the most drunk drivers is helpful, but if you’ve already been injured in a crash, it’s time to take action. At Cannon Law, we represent people throughout Fort Collins who’ve been hurt by drunk drivers during high-risk times like St. Patrick’s Day, New Year’s, or the Fourth of July. We’ll fight for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, and pain.
Call us at 970-471-7170 to speak directly with a Fort Collins car accident lawyer. We’re here to listen, build your case, and hold the driver accountable for their actions.
