The Holidays and National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

The holiday season is upon us and so is the time for us to celebrate by enjoying each other’s company. December is a month meant to spend with our loved ones and to enjoy all the festivities that follow. However, auto accident lawyers have noticed it is not always a safe time. With the holiday season, impaired driving becomes more prevalent and as a result, there is an increase in impaired driving accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities.

Impaired driving is defined as distracted driving, drugged driving, and drunk driving. There are higher cases of impaired driving during the winter months, specifically December as there is an increase in traffic fatalities around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Impaired driving-related accidents can be fatal. There has been an increase in cases as on average 30 million Americans drive drunk. Studies also show that around 10 million Americans drive impaired by illicit drugs. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that 13.2% of all people aged 16 or older drive under the influence while 4.3% drove under the influence of illicit drugs

December marks the beginning of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. We want to promote responsible decision-making and to celebrate the holidays safely.

5 Tips To Avoid Impaired Driving

1. Plan A Safe Way To Get Home

Consuming alcohol dramatically impairs your ability to drive. Always plan ahead and never get behind the wheel while under the influence. If you are coming from a party, and partake in drinking activities, have a designated sober driver to take you home or communicate a plan before the party on how you will get home.

2. Keep An Eye Out On Others

The holidays are a time for everyone to enjoy, it is crucial for us to make sure that our loved ones are safe as well. Do not let yourself or others put their life in jeopardy by driving under the influence. If someone has been drinking, help arrange a sober ride home for them. Check up on them to make sure they get home safely.

3. Do Not Get Behind The Wheel If Intoxicated

Always plan for alternate or public transportation when attending events that may result in drinking and never get behind the wheel. Do not drive if you are not in the proper mental state to do so. Call a taxi, an Uber, or even a sober friend to take you home instead.

4. Be A Vigilant Host

If you are hosting the festivities where alcohol is involved, make sure that your guests have a way to get home. Ask them throughout the night if they have a safe way to get home and if they need you to help organize one. It is better to be safe and prepared and have a plan before the end of the night.

5. Safety First

Buckle up your seatbelt and obey the rules of the road. It is your best defense against impaired drivers and to stay vigilant of any reckless driving while you are on the road. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement and help keep the roads safe not only for you but for others as well.

Contact An Auto Accident Lawyer

We want to ensure your safety especially when you are behind the wheel. Driving while impaired can significantly increase the likelihood of causing an accident. These accidents can cause injuries that are often traumatic and may result in life-long damages. If you or a loved one are injured in an auto accident by an impaired driver, contact the qualified auto accident lawyers at Wilson Reeder & Zudar Law to help.