Drunk Driving Accidents Spike During Holiday Season
Happy Holidays from Blount Law Firm, PLLC! During this time of year, we’d like to remind everyone about the importance of making safety a priority, especially on the road. With an increase in traffic, and more reasons to celebrate with a few drinks, roads and highways across the country become very dangerous places.
According to data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, the holiday season consistently sees a surge in alcohol-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities. During this time last year, 223 people were killed as a result of impaired-driving wrecks across the state.
In an effort to reduce the number of preventable crashes this holiday season, law enforcement agencies throughout Shelby County and the state will be placing an emphasis on increasing drunk and drugged driving enforcement. As part of the “Booze It and Lose It” campaign, more officers will be on the roads and highways from now through the New Year.
While authorities will be working on enhanced enforcement and raising public awareness, everyone throughout the state can do their part in staying safe during the holidays. This includes a few basic things everyone can do:
Don’t drink and drive – If you plan on drinking to celebrate the holidays, make sure you plan your ride or accommodations. Drunk driving is illegal and entirely preventable with the right planning.
Buckle up – When traveling, make sure you and your family members buckle up. Roughly half of Tennessee roadway fatalities last year involved a victim who was not wearing a safety belt.
Get plenty of rest – If you’re commuting a long way for a holiday get-together, make sure you’re well rested or that you can switch with another driver when you start feeling fatigued. Recent studies have shown that driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk.
Obey the rules of the road – Whether you’re in your hometown or in a new city or state, always obey the rules of the road and river safely according to the present conditions.
While we all know the basics of staying safe on the road, some drivers put others in harm’s way by not abiding by the rules. If you or someone you love is hurt by a drunk driver or in a crash caused by another’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages. At Blount Law Firm, PLLC, our car accident attorneys are here to help you better understand your rights and how we can help you navigate the personal injury claim process. Contact us today for a free consultation.