It's no secret that the majority of DUIs occur over the holidays. Unfortunately, vehicle-related injuries tend to increase in frequency around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
Taking certain precautions can help you and your loved ones avoid becoming entangled in a DUI-related personal injury case. Today, we're sharing some of those precautions with you so that you can stay safe.
If You're Going out on New Year's...
If you're planning on going out on New Year's, here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Find a place to crash near or at the party. If you consume too much alcohol to drive safely, having a place within easy walking distance (or that you can grab a quick taxi to) will help you stay safe. You can always pick up the car later—a parking ticket costs less than a DUI charge. Even better, take a taxi, Uber, or similar source of transportation to and from the venue.
- Go with a designated driver. If you are determined to take your own vehicle, make sure you have a friend you trust to stay sober with you. Give them your keys before you enter the party, and let them drive you home.
- Pay attention to the roads when you're driving. Other drunk drivers present a significant danger to you and anyone else you're with. Keep an eye on the traffic around you (including in oncoming lanes), and take the time to slow down or even pull over if someone near you is driving dangerously. If you pull over to the side of the road, make sure you're off the road by a good amount—cars frequently get hit while pulled over onto the shoulder of roads.
If You're Hosting a Party of Your Own...
You can help your loved ones stay safe by:
- Collecting car keys as people come in. You should collect keys as the party kicks off and people walk in the door, and only hand them out if the person driving is sober.
- Offer guests a place to crash. Sleeping on your floor is better than trying to make it home drunk.
- Provide refreshments for designated drivers. Offering non-alcoholic beverages and good food to designated drivers is a great way to stop them from being tempted by alcoholic offerings and ensure everyone gets home safe.
At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, we represent clients involved in DUI cases. To schedule a consultation with our team or learn more about our legal services, contact us online or via phone at (423) 299-4489.