Drunk Driving Accidents During Holidays in Illinois: Your Legal Rights

Last Updated: April 4, 2026

Accidents caused by drunk drivers during holidays (New Year’s, July 4th, etc.) are treated the same as any other drunk driving case under Illinois law, but juries may view the conduct more harshly and award higher damages given the increased public awareness about holiday drunk driving.

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Holiday weekends are among the most dangerous times to be on Illinois roads. The combination of celebrations, alcohol, and increased travel consistently produces a spike in drunk driving accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, alcohol-impaired crashes increase by 30-40% during major holiday weekends compared to typical weekends throughout the year.

The Most Dangerous Holidays for Drunk Driving in Illinois

While drunk driving accidents occur year-round, certain holidays see dramatically higher rates. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day consistently top the list — IDOT data shows more alcohol-involved fatal crashes on these dates than any other time of year. The Fourth of July weekend follows closely, with extended daylight hours, outdoor parties, and fireworks celebrations contributing to higher alcohol consumption and later driving times. Thanksgiving Eve — sometimes called “Blackout Wednesday” — has become one of the heaviest drinking nights of the year, particularly among younger adults returning to their hometowns. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and St. Patrick’s Day round out the most dangerous periods.

Why Holiday Drunk Driving Claims Can Be Stronger

Holiday drunk driving accidents often present stronger cases for injured victims. Law enforcement increases patrols during holidays, meaning more thorough accident investigations and better-documented evidence of impairment. Bars and restaurants serving during holiday events may face dram shop liability if they continued serving visibly intoxicated patrons. Event organizers who serve alcohol at holiday parties or festivals may also bear responsibility depending on the circumstances.

Juries tend to be particularly unsympathetic to drunk drivers who cause holiday crashes. The awareness campaigns, free ride programs, and increased enforcement during holidays make it harder for a defendant to argue they didn’t appreciate the risk. This can translate to higher compensatory awards and stronger punitive damages claims.

Multiple Liable Parties During Holiday Accidents

Holiday drunk driving cases frequently involve more than just the intoxicated driver. Potential defendants include the bar, restaurant, or venue that over-served the driver under the Illinois Dram Shop Act (235 ILCS 5/6-21). Employers who host holiday parties where alcohol is served may face liability if an employee leaves intoxicated and causes a crash. Event organizers and caterers can be liable if they served alcohol without proper controls. In some circumstances, rideshare companies may bear responsibility if their platform was involved in the chain of events.

Protecting Yourself During Holiday Weekends

If you are involved in an accident during a holiday weekend and suspect the other driver is intoxicated, take specific steps to protect your claim. Request that law enforcement respond and conduct sobriety testing — do not accept a driver’s offer to “handle it without police.” Note any open containers, the smell of alcohol, or signs of impairment. If possible, take photos or video of the other driver’s condition. Get contact information from any witnesses, as holiday-related accidents often have bystanders who observed the at-fault driver’s pre-crash behavior at a nearby party or establishment.

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver during a holiday or any other time, the personal injury attorneys at Parker & Parker can help you understand all available sources of recovery.

Injured? Get a Free Case Review.

The personal injury attorneys at Parker & Parker have been fighting for accident victims in Peoria and across Central Illinois for over 25 years. Call (309) 674-0044 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which holidays have the most drunk driving accidents in Illinois?

New Year’s Eve/Day consistently has the most alcohol-impaired fatal crashes in Illinois. The Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Eve, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and St. Patrick’s Day also see significant spikes in drunk driving incidents.

Can I sue a bar for a holiday drunk driving accident?

Yes. Under the Illinois Dram Shop Act (235 ILCS 5/6-21), bars and restaurants that serve visibly intoxicated patrons can be held liable if that patron causes an accident. The one-year statute of limitations for dram shop claims is shorter than the standard personal injury deadline.

Is an employer liable if an employee causes a drunk driving accident after a company holiday party?

Potentially yes. If an employer hosts a holiday party where alcohol is served and an employee leaves intoxicated and causes a crash, the employer may face liability under several theories including dram shop liability, negligence in planning the event, and respondeat superior if the employee was acting within the scope of employment.

Do drunk driving accident settlements increase during holidays?

Holiday drunk driving cases often result in higher settlements because juries are less sympathetic to drivers who ignore heightened holiday enforcement and awareness campaigns. The availability of punitive damages and dram shop claims against serving establishments also increases total recovery potential.

Dealing with injuries after a car crash can feel overwhelming. Our personal injury lawyers who handle car accident cases can guide you through every step of the legal process.

Need a lawyer? This article is part of our Peoria Car Accident Lawyer practice area. Call Parker & Parker at 309-673-0069 for a free consultation.