Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in New Jersey, and for many families, that means barbecues, shore trips, parties, and long weekends spent celebrating with friends. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. As traffic increases across the Garden State, so do serious drunk driving accidents, many of which leave innocent people facing catastrophic injuries or the loss of loved ones. Every year, law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey increase patrols and DUI checkpoints during the holiday period because the risks are well-known and well-documented.
Recent statistics continue to show how serious the problem remains. According to the National Safety Council, nearly 40% of traffic fatalities during recent Memorial Day holiday periods involved alcohol-impaired drivers. Nationwide, drunk driving continues to account for roughly 30% of all traffic deaths. New Jersey officials have also reported that fatal crashes and alcohol-related collisions tend to rise between Memorial Day and Labor Day, commonly referred to as the “100 Deadly Days of Summer.”
Why Are Drunk Driving Accidents More Common During Memorial Day Weekend?
Several factors contribute to the increase in drunk driving crashes during the holiday weekend, particularly in heavily traveled areas throughout New Jersey.
- More drivers are on the road traveling to the Jersey Shore, family gatherings, and vacation destinations
- Holiday celebrations frequently involve alcohol consumption
- Nighttime driving increases during holiday weekends
- Congested highways create dangerous conditions when impaired drivers make reckless decisions
- Younger and inexperienced drivers are often involved in late-night crashes
Travel volume also spikes dramatically during Memorial Day weekend. AAA and transportation analysts recently projected record holiday traffic levels, with millions of Americans expected to drive during the holiday period. In New Jersey specifically, major highways like the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike often become heavily congested, increasing the likelihood of devastating collisions when alcohol is involved.
What Injuries Commonly Result From New Jersey Drunk Driving Crashes?
Drunk driving accidents often occur at high speeds and involve delayed reaction times, which can make the resulting injuries particularly severe. Victims are frequently left dealing with long recoveries, extensive medical treatment, and financial uncertainty. Some of the most common injuries that we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns and lacerations
- Permanent disability
- Fatal injuries
What Should You Do After a Memorial Day Drunk Driving Accident in New Jersey?
The hours and days following a crash are often chaotic, especially when injuries are involved. However, the steps taken immediately afterward can significantly affect both your health and any future legal claim. If possible, accident victims should try and take the following steps:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention
- Cooperate with responding officers
- Document the scene with photographs and videos
- Obtain witness contact information
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before understanding their rights
- Preserve medical records and accident-related expenses
- Contact a New Jersey personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
Ultimately, Memorial Day should be a time for families to enjoy the beginning of summer, not a weekend remembered because of a preventable tragedy. When drunk drivers make reckless choices, innocent people often pay the price, however, victims of these accidents may have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you believe you were injured by a drunk driver, please don’t hesitate to contact The Mark Law Firm for a free initial consultation today. We’re here to help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
