According to the NHTSA, during the Christmas and New Year period, the average number of fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver rises by 34%. Over a five-year period, more than 4,000 people have died in alcohol-related incidents in December alone. Crashes are 4-times more likely to happen at night, and though there has been a recent decline in incidents overall – 840 people died in December of 2015.
Make sure you can enjoy the festivities without incurring a DUI or endangering others by planning ahead to avoid drinking and driving altogether. If you know you are attending an event with alcohol, there are certain strategies you can employ before and during the get-together to have a great time and stay safe.
- If you are going to drink, entrust your keys to the host of the event or other responsible person as soon as you get there. This can be a Designated Driver, a close coworker, or a relative. It has to be someone who will not allow you behind the wheel after you begin drinking.
- Avoid driving late at night. Crashes are 4-times more likely after dark during the holidays. The safest way to avoid incidents on the road, is to stay at home altogether during peak drive times.
- Keep a list of nearby cab companies in your wallet or saved on your smartphone. Dial 1-800-TAXI-USA for immediate taxi service or download the companys free mobile app, Taximobile, to find a taxi service near you.
- If you are intoxicated and need a ride home, consider using a service like Lyft or Uber. The popular ride-sharing applications cost about as much as one drink per ride and keep your hands off the wheel.
- Remember there is no stigma attached to deciding not to drink at a party. If you dont want the task of finding alternate transportation home, your best option is to not drink.
As the host of a get-together this season, you are an important part in helping to prevent drunk driving and DUI arrests. If you serve alcoholic beverages, be sure to also serve plenty of food, as a full stomach helps alcohol absorb more slowly into the bloodstream. Provide tasty alcohol-free alternatives to alcoholic beverages so that designated drivers wont feel left out or be tempted to indulge. Pay attention to your guests behavior and serve alcohol accordingly. Its usually smart to stop serving alcoholic drinks an hour or two before the party ends.
However, if you find yourself in an accident involving alcohol or other substances, call the experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Collier & Collier, P.C. toll free here 877-825-0543. We serve clients in Richmond and the surrounding areas. If you are injured in an automobile accident, its very important to contact an experienced lawyer right away.
