Tips to Prevent a Drunk Driving Accident During the Holidays
Millions of Americans look forward to the winter holidays. However, the hope and excitement are often paired with worries and fears of potential delays, injuries, and catastrophes. But don’t expect a Michigan auto accident to be weather-related alone. The holiday season spanning from Thanksgiving through New Years is the most common time of year for auto accidents. And according to statistics, over 1,200 Americans were fatal victims of drunk driving-related accidents in 2015 alone. While those are sobering numbers to consider this time of year, there are some simple tips to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and secure throughout the holidays.
Enlist a Designated Driver
It’s all too easy to say you’re going to remain sober through the holidays. But actually, doing so can be another matter altogether. The scary part is that even if you manage to avoid getting behind the wheel, a friend or loved one may still make the wrong call. So why chance it? An easy way around those concerns is to enlist a designated driver for the evening, outing, or event. Simply buy their dinner and/or non-alcoholic beverages all night to ensure they remain sober so the rest of the group gets home safe.
There’s an App for That
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), millennials are the biggest cause of drinking and driving around the holidays with drivers between the ages of 21 to 24 responsible for 30% of annual offenses. The younger crowd is also most likely to consistently utilize modern technology for basic life needs. And in this day and age, there’s an app for practically any need. Countless drinking and party apps can monitor your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), help you keep track of your consumption rates, or even limit your access to alcohol altogether in unique and creative ways. But if that’s still not enough, apps for rideshare services ensure no one has to put themselves or others at risk on the road.
Provide a Sobering Sanctuary
If you’re hosting a holiday get-together or otherwise having friends or loved ones over, chances are alcohol will play a part in the festivities. While there’s usually no reason to avoid that altogether, the host should always feel a sense of responsibility for their guests’ enjoyment and safety. Taking or hiding the keys of a guest who is enjoying themselves a bit beyond their limit is a good option. But time is the only thing that will sober anyone up. So why not go the extra distance and provide sleeping arrangements for your holiday guests? Whether you set up cots in the basement or cart them to the nearest motel, you and your loved ones will awaken refreshed and guilt-free…minus the inevitable hangover.
Avoid Driving Altogether
Everyone knows the dangers of driving while intoxicated. But the dangers are still present during the holidays even if you’re sober. After all, you can only control your own actions on the road. So why take unnecessary risks? It may take some extra planning, but if you get your celebration supplies early enough in the day, you should be able to avoid peak hour drunk driving concerns. But still, keep the number of your car accident attorney on hand at all times to help save the holidays and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
