Beware Of Drunk Drivers Over The Holidays
Corbin Sutter
Traffic Accidents
The holiday season is here. As you welcome the colder weather and plan celebrations, it is also important to ensure your safety.When celebrating Christmas and New Year’s, it can sometimes be difficult to stop oneself from drinking beyond your limits. Because of this, some people end up in bad situations. It can range from fights and brawls to auto accidents.
This holiday season, make sure you take safety measures to protect yourself and your loved ones against possible drunk driving accidents.
What the Numbers Say
The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 28% of the overall car crash fatalities in 2019. It corresponds to a total of 10,142 fatalities.
Meanwhile, in Florida, the number of vehicle crashes recorded in 2020 reached 341,399. Of these, 3,098 are fatal, and 140,167 are injury crashes. There were 3,332 fatalities, and 212,432 people got injured.
Many people travel during holidays. Driving is one of the most common ways to reach destinations. While it offers convenience, it can also be dangerous.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, 24% of weather-related car accidents happen on icy, slushy, or snowy pavements. Meanwhile, around 15% occur during a snowfall or sleet.
A forecast also showed New Year’s Day to be the holiday with the highest risk of DUI fatalities. The odds of drunk driving accidents on this particular day are seen to be 129% higher than the average.
Drunk Driving in Florida
Drunk driving can lead to deadly traffic accidents. That means the risk of getting involved in a car crash is higher. Drinking can impair judgment, affect coordination, slow down reaction time, and reduce self-control. All of these skills are necessary when driving a car.
Florida has strict laws on drunk driving. If caught, the driver will face hefty fines, serve jail time, and have a license suspension. Under state law, a person is considered a drunk driver if their blood alcohol concentration is at least 0.08%.
Avoiding Drunk Driving Accidents
Participating in the festivities during the holidays often involves alcohol consumption. For a lot of people, it is a time to relax and have fun. Because of this, they tend to not keep track of their alcohol intake. That is not a problem.
However, this practice becomes dangerous when a person who drank alcoholic beverages decides to drive. Thus, making the roads dangerous not only to themselves but to other people as well.
This Christmas and New Year’s, help keep Florida roads safe by preventing yourself from being an intoxicated driver.
Here are a few tips you can keep in mind:
• Eat at the party. Aside from drinking, make sure you are eating. Choosing food high in protein can help slow down your body’s alcohol absorption.
• Sip your drinks. Instead of gulping down or drinking straight, it is better to sip your beverage. That is because the faster you empty your glass, the higher the chance of you getting more.
• Take a break. It is not necessary for you to always have a drink in hand. You can decline drink offers from time to time. It will also help to drink water or other non-alcoholic beverage.
• Set a limit. Making sure that you only have one drink per meal can help you control your alcohol intake.
While these tips can help you, the best course of action is to have a designated driver if you are planning on drinking alcohol.
If It Happens
Drunk driving accidents are devastating. They can lead to injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one becomes a victim of a traffic accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can take action and seek compensation for all damages. The best way to go about it is to work with a reputable personal injury lawyer. If you live in Englewood, Fort Myers, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, or Venice, contact All Injuries Law Firm.