Issaquah Drunk Driving Accidents Surge Over New Year’s: How to Reduce The Risks
New Year’s should be about fresh starts, not tragic endings. Unfortunately, the holiday is one of the deadliest times of year for drunk driving crashes in Issaquah. Our Issaquah auto accident attorney explains how alcohol impacts your driving abilities and offers tips to protect yourself and others on the road during the holidays and the months ahead.
Holiday Drunk Driving in Issaquah: How One or Two Drinks Impacts Your Safety Behind the Wheel
On December 9, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its yearly “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program. It runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, which is typically one of the most dangerous times of year for drunk driving accidents.
While you are likely aware of how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel after drinking, there’s a common misconception that “just one or two drinks” won’t bother much. However, even low levels of alcohol can seriously affect driving abilities. Common impacts include:
- Reduced coordination, making it harder to steer, brake, or control the vehicle.
- Blurred vision affects your depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to focus on the road.
- Poor judgment, causing you to underestimate risks, drive too fast, or make reckless decisions.
- Drowsiness or fatigue, leading to swerving or falling asleep at the wheel.
- Delayed response times make drivers less likely to react appropriately or safely to sudden changes, like a red light or a pedestrian crossing.
Combined with New Year’s crowds, late-night driving, and unpredictable weather, these impairments significantly raise the risk of life-threatening auto accidents in Issaquah.
Driving Safety Tips for New Year’s Eve and the Year Ahead
The King County Traffic Coalition warns that more than 150 King County residents are killed in drunk driving auto accidents annually. The holidays, and New Year’s Eve in particular, are the most common times for these crashes.
The best way to prevent drunk driving is to be aware of the risks and plan ahead. The following can help you reduce the risks and start the new year right:
- Use a designated driver, call a rideshare, or stay overnight if you’ve been drinking.
- If you’re hosting, offer non-alcoholic options, stop serving drinks well before guests leave, and never let anyone drive impaired.
- Drive defensively, especially during peak hours on New Year’s Eve and early morning on New Year’s Day.
- Make sober driving a habit, and speak up if you know someone is impaired.
By making smart choices now, you can help protect lives, not just during the holidays, but throughout the entire year.
Hurt in a Drunk Driving Crash? Our Experienced Issaquah Auto Accident Attorney is Here to Help
Drunk driving crashes in Issaquah can cause life-threatening injuries. Following some simple safety tips can help reduce the risks. If you are hurt in a collision caused by a drunk driver, contact Injury Law Group NW right away.
Our experienced Issaquah auto accident attorney helps you hold them accountable and fights for the full compensation you need to recover. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-launches-annual-drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over-enforcement-campaign-holiday
kingcountytargetzero.com/drive-sober/
