The average cost of a DUI is $10,000 - is that extra glass of eggnog worth it?

The holiday season is upon us, bringing a packed social calendar filled with ugly sweater parties, company holiday events and champagne toasts. Unfortunately, the number of alcohol-related car accidents spikes in the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. In addition, local and state law enforcement officer across the nation are participating in a "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign to prevent impaired driving by increasing the number of checkpoints during the holiday season.
Some sobering facts about impaired driving during the holidays:
  • 733 people died in accidents involving a drunk driver in December 2013
  • An average of 572 lives were lost over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend every year from 1998 to 2008
  • There are typically 33% more DUI arrests during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day
  • Around 25,000 people are injured every year in accidents with drunk drivers during the holidays
  • If you are hosting a party where alcohol is being served, you can be held financially responsible for any damage caused by any impaired guests after they leave your event