The Dangers of Drunk Driving During Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer—a time to gather with family and friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy the warmer weather. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous weekends of the year when it comes to drunk driving accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving fatalities spike during Memorial Day weekend. What should be a time of celebration too often turns into tragedy, as impaired drivers take to the roads in large numbers. For personal injury attorneys and victims’ families alike, the consequences are all too familiar—and entirely preventable.

In this post, we’ll explore why Memorial Day weekend is so dangerous, examine the statistics on impaired driving, look at the real-life consequences of drunk driving accidents, and offer tips for staying safe.

Why Memorial Day Weekend Is So Dangerous

Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It’s a solemn day of remembrance, but for many, it also marks the start of summer. Parties, barbecues, and beach trips are common over the three-day weekend—and alcohol often plays a central role in these celebrations.

Here are a few factors that make this weekend especially risky:

1. Increased Travel

AAA estimates that over 45 million Americans travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend. More cars on the road naturally mean more opportunities for crashes—and when alcohol is involved, the risk of fatal accidents rises sharply.

2. Alcohol-Related Celebrations

From backyard cookouts to neighborhood block parties, alcohol consumption increases during Memorial Day weekend. While most people enjoy a drink responsibly, others make the dangerous—and illegal—choice to drive under the influence.

3. Nighttime Driving

Many parties and events extend late into the evening. Driving at night already comes with increased risks due to low visibility and driver fatigue. When you add alcohol to the mix, the danger escalates.

Memorial Day Weekend Drunk Driving Statistics

Drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities nationwide, and Memorial Day weekend is one of the deadliest times of year. According to the NHTSA and other sources:

• Between 2017 and 2021, an average of 452 people died in motor vehicle crashes each Memorial Day weekend.
• Of those fatalities, approximately 40% involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher—the legal limit in all 50 states.
• In 2021 alone, 44% of Memorial Day weekend traffic deaths were alcohol-related.
• Memorial Day weekend has a 26% higher fatal crash rate compared to a non-holiday weekend.

These numbers are not just statistics—they represent real people: parents, children, siblings, and friends whose lives were cut short due to someone’s reckless decision to drink and drive.

Legal and Financial Consequences of DUI

The legal ramifications for drunk driving can be severe, especially if a crash results in injury or death. Drivers caught operating a vehicle under the influence face:

• Criminal charges, including DUI or aggravated DUI
• Jail time
• License suspension or revocation
• Fines and court costs
• Mandatory alcohol education or rehabilitation programs
• Civil liability for damages and personal injury

In Illinois, a first-time DUI conviction is a Class A misdemeanor, but if the DUI causes great bodily harm or death, the offense may be elevated to a Class 4 felony or higher.

Aside from the legal fallout, the financial consequences are significant. The CDC estimates the average cost of a single DUI to be $10,000 or more, not including any civil claims brought by victims.

Legal Options for Victims of Drunk Driving

For those who have been injured—or lost a loved one—in a DUI-related crash, there are legal remedies available. Our award-winning Illinois car accident attorneys can help you:

• File a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if a family member was killed
• Seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
• Navigate insurance disputes and settlement negotiations

In Illinois, the Dram Shop Act may also allow victims to hold bars or restaurants liable for over-serving a patron who later caused a drunk driving accident.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

Memorial Day weekend should be about honoring fallen heroes and enjoying time with loved ones—not mourning avoidable tragedies. Here’s how you can help prevent drunk driving this year:

1. Plan Ahead

If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver, arrange a ride-share, or stay overnight at your location. Never wait until you’re already impaired to make transportation decisions.

2. Be a Responsible Host

If you’re hosting a gathering, keep an eye on your guests. Don’t overserve alcohol, and stop serving altogether well before the party ends. Offer non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and encourage guests to arrange safe rides home.

3. Speak Up

If you see someone attempting to drive while impaired, intervene. Take their keys and help them find another way home. It may feel awkward in the moment, but it could save a life.

4. Stay Vigilant on the Road

If you’re driving during the holiday weekend, buckle up, obey speed limits, and stay alert—especially at night. Watch for erratic drivers and keep a safe distance if you suspect someone is impaired.

Advocating for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have seen firsthand the devastating aftermath of drunk driving accidents. We are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing justice for victims and their families.

Our experienced team of Naperville drunk driving crash lawyers can help you:

• Investigate the crash and gather evidence
• File insurance claims and negotiate settlements
• Represent you in court if necessary
• Work with experts in toxicology, accident reconstruction, and medical care

We understand the emotional and financial toll these accidents take—and we’ll fight to ensure you get the compensation and support you deserve.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois DUI Accident Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Memorial Day should be a time to reflect, remember, and reconnect. Yet for far too many families, it becomes a day of heartbreak because of one person’s choice to drive drunk.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving crash, don’t face it alone. Contact an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You have rights—and we’re here to protect them.

Let’s work together to make this Memorial Day weekend safer for everyone. If you drink, don’t drive. If you see someone who’s impaired, step in. One decision can mean the difference between life and death.

Need Help For Injuries After a DUI Accident? Contact Us Today.
At John J. Malm & Associates, we offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Call us now at 844-MALMLAW or fill out our online form to speak with an attorney:  https://www.malmlegal.com/contact-us/.