According to the NHTSA, during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Years, 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 many fatalities can be avoided with careful planning and responsible drinking.
You can help make roadways safer and ensure that you can enjoy the festivities without incurring a DUI or endangering others by planning ahead this holiday season:
- 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. Be sure to select this person ahead of time and discuss this strategy with them.
- 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 company’s 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.
- Avoid driving late at night. Crashes are 4-times more likely to occur after dark during the holidays. The safest way to avoid incidents on the road is to plan your drive-times around routine congestion and road conditions.
- Remember there is no stigma attached to deciding not to drink at a holiday social gathering. Take on the role of a designated driver for someone else, and try some of that holiday punch!
As the host of a get-together this season, you are integral in helping to prevent drunk driving and DUI incidents. 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 won’t feel left out or be tempted to indulge. Pay attention to your guests’ behavior and serve alcohol accordingly. It’s 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 Decker Law Firm. Our long history and experience in criminal traffic violations and drunk driving charges can make the difference in the resolution of your individual traffic situation.
Call The Decker Law Firm right now at 757-622-3317.
