Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations are joyous occasions when we can take a break and spend quality time with friends and family. But things can quickly go south amidst the festivities because of drunk driving.
Alcohol-related crashes soar significantly during the holidays because people drink more and everyone’s out and about. The uptick in alcohol consumption and the higher volume of cars on the road can be a lethal combination.
To keep yourself and everyone around you safe during the holidays, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Don’t Drive If You’re Intoxicated.
If everyone followed this rule, there would be far fewer fatalities on the road, but unfortunately, people see the holidays as an excuse to drink and drive.
While you can’t control other people’s actions, you can make responsible choices. Instead of getting behind the wheel when you know you’re intoxicated, look for an alternative way to get home. You can ride with a friend, book a rideshare service, or ask if you can stay the night. If you’re the group’s designated driver, commit to being sober for the night. It’s best to have a plan before going to a party, so you know exactly how everything will unfold.
If you’re the party host, be responsible for your guests. Keep the alcohol to a minimum, serve non-alcoholic alternatives and plenty of food, keep an eye on your guests, and only let them drive once they’re fully sober.
Distance Yourself From Intoxicated Drivers.
It can be difficult to tell whether a driver is drunk. However, certain behaviors are unmistakable red flags, and you should distance yourself from any motorist who exhibits them. These include making sudden or illegal turns, slamming on the brakes for no reason, and drifting toward the center of the road.
If you notice any of these signs, pull over to a safe area, and try to take note of the vehicle’s description and license plate number. Get in touch with the police immediately to prevent the driver from hurting themselves or others.
Avoid Driving During Risky Hours.
Many fatal alcohol-related crashes during the holidays happen on the weekends, with a significant uptick between midnight and 3 a.m. Saturdays, in particular, are risky for motorists. It’s best to stay off the roads during these dangerous times to avoid getting into an accident with drunk drivers. But if you don’t have a choice, be extra alert and cautious.
Be an Attentive and Defensive Driver.
Given the increase in drunk drivers during the holidays, it pays to be extra attentive and defensive. Never take your eyes off the road for any reason, even if it’s just for a few seconds.
Slow down and leave space between yourself and the car in front of you. That way, you have time to react if the driver does something unpredictable. And always wear your seatbelt. It’s your first line of defense against intoxicated drivers.
Check Your Vehicle Before Leaving the House.
If you’re planning to go on a holiday trip, check your vehicle for maintenance issues before leaving the house. Pulling up on highway shoulders can be extremely dangerous, especially with drunk drivers nearby.
And finally. . .
Alcohol-related crashes are 100% preventable. While the holidays are a time for merriment, there’s no excuse for anyone to drink and drive. We’re responsible for keeping each other safe. For more information, contact Friedman Law Offices at 1(800)876-1093.