The holiday season is now officially upon us. To the festive among us, December often affects several aspects of daily life: the stores you shop in, the music you listen to, the movies you watch, and the clothes that you wear. Frequently forgotten during this joyous and exciting season is the very real danger that is present on our roadways.
Drunk Driving Crashes
The percentage of highway deaths related to alcohol spikes during the three month holiday season which stretches from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Four in ten highway deaths around the holidays are caused by drunk drivers. Furthermore, individuals are more likely to perish in alcohol related crashes during holidays than at other times in the year.
This increase in drunk driving crashes makes sense- people are attending holiday parties, celebrating with old friends and family, and drinking more alcohol than they may be accustomed to. These behaviors are a danger to your safety on the roadway.
Protect Yourself
It is nearly impossible to avoid traveling this time of year. To stay safe among the increased amount of drunk or impaired drivers on the road, Alcohol Problems and Solutions offers these tips:
- If you suspect that a fellow roadway driver is impaired, be vigilante and ready to act
- Keep your distance from that vehicle
- Pull over to allow the impaired driver to pass you
- Report the driver to the police immediately
- Do not drink and drive, or get into a car with a driver who has been drinking
- Wear a seat belt
- Avoid rural roads when possible, opt for four lane highways
- Avoid traveling after midnight
- Be alert and avoid driving while drowsy
If You Are Involved in a Crash
Even after taking the proper precautionary measures, accidents do happen. If you are involved in a crash, the first thing that you should do is check on the safety of all passengers in your car and the other car involved. If anyone appears injured, call 911 immediately and report an emergency. If not, exchange insurance information with the other driver. Take pictures of the car accident and any possible damages to both vehicles. Then, contact the police to report the accident. It is extremely important to stay on the scene until the police inform you that it is okay for you to leave.
After that, call the attorneys at Rehmeyer & Allatt. We can help you navigate the process of receiving compensation for your damages or for any damages you may have caused. 814-343-0453
Photo Source