Holiday gatherings and year-end events prompt renewed focus on responsible driving across New York
SYRACUSE, NY – December 2025 – The DWI Team is reminding New Yorkers to plan ahead during the holiday season. It’s no secret that celebrations, workplace parties, and family gatherings often lead to an increase in impaired driving incidents.
The holidays create a mix of travel and alcohol consumption that raises the risk of DWI arrests and alcohol-related crashes. Unpredictable weather and snowy conditions have a part to play as well.
Holiday Season Trends Show Higher Rates of Alcohol-Related Incidents and Late-Night Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies across New York regularly increase patrols in December due to the rise in alcohol consumption tied to seasonal events. State and local police add targeted DWI enforcement during evenings, weekends, and major holiday dates, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Those efforts reflect a consistent trend: alcohol-related crashes and DWI arrests climb during periods of widespread celebration.
Data from prior years show that impaired driving incidents are more common between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., especially when holiday parties or workplace gatherings include open bars or seasonal cocktails. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair reaction time, especially in winter weather.
A single poor decision after a holiday party can carry legal, financial, and personal consequences that last far beyond the season.
New Yorkers can reduce their risk by using transportation alternatives, planning designated drivers, and making safe decisions when attending celebrations. Simple steps help prevent accidents, arrests, and long-term legal issues.
Drunk-driving fatal crashes occur about 27% more often during holiday periods compared to the rest of the year.
Recommended actions include:
Arranging a sober driver before attending any holiday event
Using rideshare services when alcohol is part of the evening
Staying overnight if travel conditions look unsafe
Watching for fatigue, which often plays a role in late-night driving during the holidays
DWI Team Leadership Encourages Prevention and Planning During the Holiday Season
The holidays bring people together, but they also create conditions where impaired driving becomes more common. A bit of planning goes a long way. We want everyone to enjoy celebrations safely and avoid situations that could change their lives in seconds.
Community safety improves when drivers take responsibility long before the car keys come out.
About the DWI Team
The DWI Team, powered by Nave Law, represents individuals charged with DWI and related offenses across New York State. The firm uses a collaborative team-based approach that provides strategic defense planning and consistent support to clients. The DWI Team focuses on protecting rights, reducing long-term consequences, and promoting responsible decision-making within the community.
