As we move into the holiday season, we must increase our precautions while on the road. Not only will the roads get busier but drunk drivers leaving holiday parties can and do result in car accidents. These impaired driving-related accidents can be fatal. It is crucial that for this holiday season, to keep watch of the roads to ensure your safety and to report anything that seems like it would be a hazard to you or others.
December marks the beginning of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Impaired driving is described as distracted driving, drugged driving, and drunk driving. Studies show that the holidays bring a higher volume of cases of impaired driving and an increase in traffic fatalities around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that 13.2% of all people aged 16 or older drive under the influence while 4.3% drove under the influence of illicit drugs.
Historically, during the holidays, accident lawyers see an increase in cases involving auto accident injuries related to impaired driving. We want to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety before getting behind the wheel.
1. MAKE A PLAN ON HOW TO GET HOME
Always plan ahead and never get behind the wheel while under the influence. Consuming alcohol dramatically impairs your ability to drive and your decision-making. If you are coming from a party, have a non-drinking friend be your designated driver or make plans before the party on how you’re going to get home safely.
2. TAKE CARE OF ONE ANOTHER
As holiday parties with friends approach, make sure to have everyone’s back. Do not let yourself or others put their life at risk by driving under the influence. If someone has been drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. Help arrange a sober ride home for them.
3. DO NOT DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Never drink and drive. You are not only putting yourself at risk but all those around you. Play it safe and call an Uber or rideshare if you are intoxicated during the holiday season. You don’t want to start off the holidays with a DUI charge or a fatal car accident.
4. BE A GOOD HOST
If you are hosting festivities where alcohol is involved, make sure that your guests have a way to get home safely. Confirm with them that they have a safe way to get home or if they need you to help organize one. Make sure that everyone is safe and check up on them to make sure they get home safely.
5. OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD
Always buckle up. If you are driving with people, make sure they are buckled up as well. Seatbelts save lives. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement and help keep the roads safe not only for you but for others as well.
The holidays should be a time for you to celebrate and enjoy the company of your loved ones. We hope that your holiday plans go smoothly, but things happen. If you find yourself in an impaired driving accident, contact an experienced accident attorney for help. At Accident Aide, we care about you and your safety.
