Straight Talk Law: The Holidays And Auto Accidents
Thanksgiving Marks the Beginning of Dangerous Times on Americas Roads
While a familiar holiday song labels this The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, its also one of the most dangerous.
While were giving thanks for so many other wonderful things in our lives, we also need to be mindful that the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, year after year, produces more alcohol-related auto accidents and wrongful deaths than any other time of the year including Christmas. The high level of drunk driving fatalities continues until after New Years Eve. As a Seattle-based personal injury lawyer, I cant help but notice the increase in senseless auto accident tragedies that happen during what should be solely a celebratory time.
Some shocking facts:
In the U.S., the leading criminal cause of death is drunk driving.
More than 17,000 people are the victim of drunk driving auto accidents annually.
Between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, 38% of all wrongful deaths from auto accidents are alcohol related.
Repeat drunk drivers are responsible for almost 60% of those alcohol-related fatalities.
Whats important is trying to stop these auto accidents before they happen so everyone can enjoy a peaceful and happy holiday time. Here are a few suggestions from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to help make that happen:
Be a Safe and Responsible Party Host Make sure none of your guests drive home when theyre in no condition to operate a vehicle. Dont just depend on their physical appearance to evaluate their sobriety.
Designated Driver If one of your group makes the commitment not to drink, you can easily avoid an alcohol-related auto accident.
Non-Alcoholic Party Drink Recipes Give your guests a choice when it comes to beverages, or eliminate alcohol altogether and serve fun party drinks for the whole family.
Tie One on For Safety Displaying the MADD ribbon on your vehicle shows your commitment to avoiding personal injury and wrongful death because of drunk driving and can inspire other motorists to do the same.
There are ways to celebrate the holidays in a responsible way and still have plenty of good cheer. Starting this Thanksgiving, I hope all of you will do your best to keep the roads safe for everyone. Always remember, if you do happen to be involved in an auto or motorcycle accident where personal injury or wrongful death occurs, consult with an attorney immediately. You may not need a lawyers services, but its important to be sure before you agree to anything with insurance companies.
by: Jason Epstein