Stay Safe this Holiday Season: Don’t Drink and Drive

In 2010, more than 30 percent of all fatal car accidents were alcohol related.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many of these accidents happen during November and December — especially during the holiday season. As a matter of fact, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are three of the four deadliest times for car accidents. In 2009, there were close to 100 fatal car accidents during those holiday periods. About half of those accidents involved a drunk driver. In the months of November, December and January, the state of Florida sees about 200 fatal car accidents each month.
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Our Fort Myers injury attorneys understand that this isn’t only a Florida problem, it’s a problem nationwide. So, whether you’re staying local through the holidays or you’re venturing out on a winter holiday vacation, we’re asking you to stay safe and sober behind the wheel. It could turn out to be a lifesaving move.

We’d even like to remind you that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving,” according to officials throughout the state. You may not think you’re drunk, but the truth of the matter is that each drink hinders your ability behind the wheel. Because residents are more likely to be out drinking over the holiday season, law enforcement officers throughout the state plan to conduct more enforcement efforts to help to bring down the risks. It’s all an effort to prevent property loss as well as the loss of life. Intoxicated drivers are much more likely than sober drivers to get into an accident.

The best way to avoid a costly arrest or a potentially fatal accident is to avoid drinking. Realistically, we know that there’s going to be drinking though, and that’s why we’re asking you to celebrate the holidays with a plan. Please review and share the following safety tips, from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), to help ensure safe travel over the holiday season.

Holiday Drunk Driving Prevention Tips:

-Don’t drink. Staying sober will help to keep you out of jail, money in your pocket and our roadways safe.

-If you’re going to be drinking alcohol, make sure you have a full stomach and you’re keeping an eye on how much you’re consuming.

-Remember that you don’t have to be showing severe signs of being drunk to be over the legal limit of .08 percent BAC (blood alcohol content).

-If you think you spot a drunk driver out there, make sure you call and report them. You can call *347 or 9-1-1.

-Before you even start the night, make sure you have an agreement with a designated driver. This driver is to pledge to get you home safely and to stay 100 percent sober.

-You should always keep the phone numbers of local cab companies with you, especially at holiday parties. This is an easy way to get a sober ride. And trust us, it’s a lot cheaper than a drunk driving conviction.

-If you can’t get a cab or can’t find public transportation, you should either call a friend or a family member to come pick you up or you should stay over at a friend’s house.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, represents drunk driving victims throughout Southwest Florida. Call today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-283-2900.

More Blog Entries:

Drunk Driving Car Accident Risks Escalate through Remainder of Year, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, November 7, 2012

The Fight Continues for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Southwest Florida, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, August 5, 2012

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