Impaired driving continues to play a role in serious and fatal crashes
Motorists in Maine may want to check their mirrors a little more often this holiday season. The familiar glow of festive lights won’t be the only thing shining brighter. Law enforcement will have an increased presence on local roadways and interstates from Dec. 10 through Jan. 1 as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The message is simple, but the stakes are high.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is once again teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and police agencies across the state to crack down on drunk driving. Their goal is to keep dangerous drivers off the road and protect everyone traveling during one of the busiest times of the year.
The winter holidays traditionally bring an uptick in drunk driving car accidents. From family gatherings to office parties, celebrations often come with drinking, and too many people still decide to get behind the wheel afterward.
Maine steps up targeted enforcement
During the 2022 to 2023 holiday season, Maine saw seven fatal crashes involving impaired driving, resulting in eleven lives lost. It’s a sobering reminder of what can happen when caution gives way to poor decisions.
Highway Safety Coordinator John Roma didn’t mince words about the purpose of this year’s stepped-up patrols. "Driving impaired is illegal, dangerous, and never acceptable," he said. Roma made it clear that officers across Maine will be out in force, not to dampen the holiday spirit, but to prevent tragedies that are entirely avoidable.
He urged drivers to make responsible choices and remember that every decision behind the wheel has consequences. Holiday travel can be joyful, but it can also be risky when alcohol enters the mix. State officials are hoping that visible enforcement will encourage drivers to think twice before turning the key.
Why does drunk driving spike during the holiday season?
The holiday season brings people together in ways that don’t happen at any other time of year. Families reunite, office parties fill up calendars, and friends gather to celebrate traditions that often involve alcohol. With more social events comes more drinking, and unfortunately, more opportunities for people to make poor choices about driving.
One of the biggest factors is simply the increase in celebrations. From mid-December through New Year’s Day, alcohol is a common part of dinners, parties, and casual get-togethers. Even people who rarely drink may indulge during this stretch, and they often underestimate how impaired they are once it’s time to leave.
Impairment affects judgment long before it affects balance or speech, which makes it easy to believe you’re “fine to drive” when you’re not.
There’s also the emotional side of the season. Holidays can bring stress, loneliness, and family tension. Some people turn to alcohol to cope, and that can lead to risky decisions. Combined with busy roads and unpredictable weather, even a small amount of impairment can turn a short trip into a serious danger.
How do different levels of alcohol impairment affect drivers?
Alcohol affects judgment and coordination long before a person feels truly impaired, and even small increases in Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) can change how a driver reacts, focuses, and processes information. Each BAC level brings its own set of predictable risks behind the wheel. Here's what impairment looks like for each BAC level:
- .02 BAC: Drivers may experience mild loss of judgment, slight relaxation, and subtle mood changes, which can lead to reduced visual tracking and difficulty managing two tasks at once.
- .05 BAC: At this level, drivers often show exaggerated behavior and lowered alertness, which makes it harder to steer, track moving objects, and respond quickly in unexpected situations.
- .08 BAC: Coordination, balance, and reaction time become noticeably impaired, and drivers may struggle with concentration, memory, and consistent speed control, increasing the likelihood of missing hazards on the road.
- .10 BAC: Reaction time slows significantly, speech may become slurred, and coordination declines. This can lead to difficulty staying in a lane and delayed braking when needed.
- .15 BAC: Drivers experience major loss of muscle control and balance, and their ability to process visual and auditory information is severely reduced.
10 tips to stay safe this holiday season
Drivers and hosts should always plan ahead whenever alcohol or other impairing substances are part of their plans. That's why it's important to take these safety measures:
- Plan a sober ride before heading out, whether that means choosing a designated driver or scheduling a rideshare or taxi.
- Host alcohol-free gatherings or offer plenty of nonalcoholic drink options at holiday parties.
- Stop friends or family members from driving if they’ve been drinking and help arrange a safe way home.
- Give your keys to a sober friend if you’re unsure about your ability to drive.
- Encourage guests to stay overnight if they’ve had too much to drink.
- Use community or public transportation options when available.
- Set clear expectations with teens and young adults about alcohol use and safe driving.
- Volunteer to be the designated driver for events when possible.
- Report suspected impaired drivers to local police or call 911.
- Support local awareness campaigns that highlight the risks of impaired driving.
Jabar LaLiberty fights for injured crash victims
If a drunk driver turned your holiday season upside down, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. A crash like this brings stress, medical bills, and a level of uncertainty no one prepares for. The legal team at Jabar LaLiberty, LLC is here to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and make sure your voice is heard from the very beginning.
We serve clients throughout Waterville, Portland, and communities across Maine, and we're known for handling every case with care and honesty. We'll walk you through what comes next, explain your options, and answer every question so you know exactly what to expect. To find out how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.
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