The holiday season brings more than just festive cheer and bright decorations; it also sees a spike in merry-making and, unfortunately, a rise in drinking and driving incidents. As a personal injury law firm with decades of experience, we’ve seen the devastating effects that driving under the influence can have on lives and families. We’re here to provide a comprehensive guide on staying safe on the roads and ensuring you don’t become part of the statistics.
How to Stay Safe from Drunk Drivers
Choose Your Travel Times Wisely
Traffic data shows that driving late at night, especially during holidays, increases your risk of encountering impaired drivers. Plan your outings and returns during daylight hours or early evening when roads are safer.
Stay Vigilant
Being observant can be your best defense. Watch for signs of impaired driving, including erratic lane changes, inconsistent speed, and failure to obey traffic signals. Keeping a watchful eye could be the key to avoiding a dangerous situation.
Maintain a Safe Distance
If you suspect a driver is under the influence, don’t try to pass them. Instead, keep a generous following distance. If an erratic driver is behind you, safely turn off the road when possible and let them pass.
Report Suspicious Behavior
If you spot what appears to be an intoxicated driver, keep yourself safe and then pull over to call the authorities. Reporting such behavior is a civic duty that could save lives.
Utilize Community Programs
During the holidays, many communities offer programs to reduce drunk driving, including free shuttle services or sponsored designated driver campaigns. Take advantage of these when available.
How to Avoid Becoming a Drunk Driver
Plan Your Ride Home Before You Party
The most responsible party-goers decide how they’ll get home before they head out. Whether it’s arranging a ride-share or nominating a designated driver, having a plan in place keeps you and others safe.
Commit to Sobriety if Driving
If you’re the designated driver, this role comes with the responsibility of complete sobriety. There’s no safe amount of alcohol when it comes to driving.
Offer Alternatives as a Host
If you’re hosting a gathering, provide your guests with ample options to get home safely. This could include arranging transportation services or preparing a spare bedroom.
Know Your Limits
It’s a common misconception that you can judge your level of intoxication. If you have consumed alcohol, no matter how much, you should not be driving. It’s that simple.
Look Out for Friends
Never let friends drive drunk. If you see someone attempting to drive after drinking, intervene. Take their keys if necessary, and help them arrange another way home.
At Lopez & Humphries, PA, we are committed to the well-being of our community. We understand the impact of personal injury not just on the individual but on the entire community. Our decades of experience have shown us that prevention is always better than seeking reparation after the fact. That’s why we urge you to take these tips to heart.
As the holidays approach, we encourage you to prioritize safety in all your celebrations. If you or someone you love is involved in an accident, remember that we are here to help navigate the legal aftermath. Contact us for a free consultation, but more importantly, stay safe and make responsible choices this holiday season. Together, we can make our roads a safer place for everyone.