Just about everyone loves the holidays, and with good reason: there are so many opportunities to get together and celebrate with friends and family. From Thanksgiving to New Years, our evenings and weekends are punctuated by parties, dinners, and concerts. In addition to all of the delicious food, alcohol will be served at most of those events.
As a result, we see an unfortunate spike in accidents and fatalities in December. The Department of Transportation reports that, in December of 2016, 781 people died in car accidents caused by drunk driving. Despite campaigns to raise awareness, drunk driving remains a serious problem that endangers our lives and the lives of our loved ones.
Tips for Avoiding Drunk Drivers
While it’s true that drunk drivers are unpredictable, there are steps you can take to minimize the possibility of getting into an accident with someone who is driving while under the influence.
1. Stay home on “peak” holidays such as New Year’s Eve. These are the nights when people are most likely to drink too much. In addition, these are also the nights with the highest number of intoxicated people on the road.
2. Don’t drive after dark. According to NHTSA, 70 percent of drunk driving accidents occur at night.
3. At least, get home before closing time. The people who are most likely to be driving while intoxicated are those who stay until the bars close. Also, they will all be on the road at the same time. Avoid the situation by leaving an hour or two early.
4. Use extra caution at intersections. Most car accidents occur at intersections, and this is also the case for drunk driving accidents. People who are driving while intoxicated are prone to running stop signs and stop lights, failing to yield, or making other mistakes that can result in deadly accidents.
5. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. You should do this anyway, but this will give you extra reaction time in the event that you encounter a drunk driver.
6. Give your full attention to driving and be aware of other motorists. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by your phone, the radio, or your passengers. You need to pay full attention and be especially aware of the other cars on the road.
7. Travel on safe, well-lit roads with good visibility. Dark and winding rural roads mean that you have less time to react and avoid an accident. If possible, try to avoid high-speed roads with poor visibility.
If You’re a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you could be facing substantial bills for medical treatment. This accident could profoundly affect your future and your family’s well-being, so you need to understand your options. Too many people think that they don’t need to consider legal action against the driver since he’s been charged with DUI and is facing jail time. Even if the driver is convicted, the criminal case will not pay you any compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Contact a Huntington Beach Personal Injury Attorney
Don’t let a drunk driver jeopardize everything you’ve worked for – you need someone on your side who will help you put your life back together and get the compensation you deserve. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys, call the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell today at 714-625-8914 or contact us online.
