Safety experts estimate that 375 people will die on U.S. roads this long holiday weekend, a significant number in Texas

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 375 people may die on U.S. roads this New Year’s Day holiday period, with a hefty percentage of that number occurring on Texas roads. When state population is taken into account, Texas has the fifth highest crash rate in the country for the holiday. During the 2021 New Year’s Day holiday period (the latest available data), 40 percent of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Many families choose car travel for holiday plans, which has the highest fatality rate of any major form of motorized transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Holidays are also often cause for celebrations involving alcohol consumption, a major contributing factor to motor-vehicle crashes.

The good news is, this estimate is down 8 percent from the 408 deaths that the NSC had estimated for the 2023 New Year’s Day holiday period; this time around, New Year’s Day falls on a Monday, so the holiday period is 3.25 days and extends from 6 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023 to 11:59 p.m. Monday, January 1, 2024.

While there is uncertainty associated with any estimate, there is a 90 percent confidence for the estimate of traffic deaths this holiday will be 310 to 446. Beyond death, the injury statistics are even starker: based on the current injury-to-death ratio of 114:1, the estimate of nonfatal injuries that will result from crashes during the holiday period is 42,800, with a 90 percent confidence interval of 35,400 to 50,800.

In Texas, first offense DWIs (Driving While Intoxicated) are deemed to be Class “B” misdemeanors by the state. This means that if you are convicted of driving under the influence, you will most likely be looking at a fine of up to $2,000, as well as up to 180 days in county jail. A DWI in Texas can also cost up to $15,000 beyond that fine; bail can cost up to $1,000; court costs can easily hit up to $500; and attorney fees, while they vary, can quickly rack up to an average of $9,400. Add to that probation fees (12 months) up to $1,200; and Alcohol Education Course that can cost up to $200; about $1,000 in increased car insurance; car impound, storage, and towing fees; and the installation of an ignition interlock device can easily bankrupt an offender.

Fortunately, studies show that seat belts, when used, are 45 percent effective in preventing fatalities among front-seat passenger car occupants. An estimated 149 lives may be saved this New Year’s Day holiday period because vehicle occupants wear their seat belts. An additional 87 lives could be saved if everyone wears seat belts.

Over the New Year’s holiday weekend, all around The Woodlands area, law enforcement – from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to the Constable’s Office to Conroe PD and Shenandoah PD to other local police departments and more – will be everywhere keeping a keen eye out on impaired drivers. Texas is a ‘no refusal’ state, which means that, if someone who has been pulled over refuses to take a breathalyzer or other field sobriety test, they will be taken into custody and have blood legally drawn from them under command of a warrant that can’t be refused.

Woodlands Online encourages you to exercise prudence in party options. You can stay in and celebrate at home. You can take an Uber or Lyft or local taxi, or rent a limousine or party bus. You can attend a hotel party and stay the night. Check out our Woodlands Online New Year’s Eve Guide for a list of hotels that can accommodate you.

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