subject: Straight Talk Law: Drunk Driving Increases During The Holidays [print this page] Thanksgiving Marks the Beginning of Dangerous Times on America's Roads
While a familiar holiday song labels this "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," it is also one of the most dangerous times on our nation's roads.
While we're 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 Year's Eve. As a Seattle-based personal injury lawyer, I can't 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.
-Annually, more than 17,000 individuals are the victims of drunk driving auto accidents.
- Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, 38% of all wrongful deaths from auto accidents are alcohol related.
-Almost 60 percent of those alcohol-related fatalities are caused by repeat drunk drivers. The important thing we must try and do is prevent these auto accidents before they happen. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) has some suggestions on how to help make this happen:
-Be a safe and responsible party host. It is part your responsibility to make sure that none of your guests drive home when they are intoxicated and are in no condition to operate a vehicle. Don't just depend on their physical appearance to evaluate their sobriety and stay strong with your stance, even if they tell you they are o.k. to drive.
- 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 a plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in a responsible way and still have plenty of good cheer. Starting this Thanksgiving, I ask and hope all of you to do your best to keep the roads safe for everyone by not drinking and driving.
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 lawyer's services, but it's important to be sure before you agree to anything with insurance companies.
