The chances of being involved in a drunk driving accident increase tremendously during the holidays. People are traveling home from holiday work parties or family gatherings after having a few too many drinks. New Year's Eve is perhaps one of the worst nights to be on the road, due to many people leaving home late after having far too many glasses of champagne.
Increased Risk for Accidents
Individuals driving under the influence are not aware of their surroundings, tend to drive over the speed limit, make lane changes without signaling which can cause accidents. Drunk drivers during the holidays tend to drive at night as they leave holiday parties or family gatherings; decreased visibility in conjunction with impaired vision is a recipe for disaster. Alcohol acts as a depressant – it slows you down and makes you sleepy. As a result, tired and drunk drivers are less likely to notice a pedestrian crossing the street.
Tips to Avoid Drinking and Driving
Injuries sustained from drunk driving can range from minor scrapes to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries1 or spinal cord injuries. Driving under the influence of alcohol should be avoided if possible. Drinking and driving accidents are so common during the holidays that the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has published educational materials2 with hopes to prevent accidents from occurring. Here are some tips to avoid drinking and driving during the holidays:
- Find a non-alcoholic holiday drink
- Embrace being the designated driver
- Find an alternative to celebrating other than drinking
- If you must drink, understand the effects it has on your body and pace yourself
- Call a taxicab service such as Uber or Lyft
- Understand that only time will sober you up, not coffee or eating food.
Police Enforcement
The police are aware that there are more drivers on the road during the holidays. They are also aware that many of these drivers are driving under the influence. Accordingly, you may notice an increase of police patrolling the streets during the holidays. They may set up DUI checkpoints at major intersections or at the exits of highways. If you do choose to drink and drive during the holidays, keep in mind that the police will be looking for you.
It is important to also understand that if you are the victims of a drunk driving accident, the actions taken by law enforcement will not help you recover compensation. While it may be satisfying to see the driver that hit you hauled off to jail and prosecuted, it will not result in you obtaining compensation for your losses. For this reason, it is important to talk to an attorney about how to file a claim.
Dolman Law Group
If you were hit by a drunk driver and have suffered injury, contact the attorneys of the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA at 727-451-6900 today. We offer free consultations and represent clients all throughout the state of Florida. Our offices conveniently located in New Port Richey, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. Call us today and get the justice you deserve.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 451-6900 https://www.dolmanlaw.com/drunk-driving-accident-lawyer/
The Truth About Holiday Spirits