Watch Out for Drunk Drivers During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. During the holidays, most of us attend celebratory events and spend time catching up with family, friends, and colleagues. Often, this means having alcohol. Unfortunately, while these moments are meant to create happy memories, the holiday season brings with it a spike in drunk driving accidents. The unfortunate reality is that despite knowing the dangers of drunk driving, many people still get behind the wheel after drinking. Drunk driving puts not only the driver at risk but also all other road users. These accidents can cause severe injuries and even death. It is crucial to watch out for drunk drivers during the holiday season.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself from drunk drivers during the holiday season. Below are some tips that can significantly lower your risk of being involved in an accident with a drunk driver during the holiday season.
- Avoid Driving Late at Night
Drunk driving accidents can happen at any time, whether day or night. However, these accidents are more common late at night, especially between midnight and 3 AM. Most holiday celebrations and gatherings happen at night, and at these times, many of the people on the road have been drinking for extended periods. To reduce the risk of being involved in an accident with a drunk driver, it is best to avoid driving late at night, whenever possible.
- Stay Alert
One of the most effective ways of protecting yourself from drunk drivers during the holidays is by staying vigilant for driving behaviors that might indicate drunkenness. Some behaviors that might indicate a driver is drunk include swerving between lanes, tailgating, sudden stops, delayed responses, inconsistent speeds, almost hitting something, and driving below the speed limit.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Remain on your right side of the road, and avoid following the vehicle in front of you too closely. Tailgating reduces your reaction time. If, for example, the car in front of you suddenly stops or swerves, you may not be able to react in time to avoid a collision. Maintaining a safe following distance allows you enough time to react to unexpected situations, such as a driver suddenly stopping or swerving.
The general rule is to be at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. In adverse conditions, such as when it’s foggy, it’s advisable to increase the following distance.
- Stay on Well-Lit Roads
To the extent possible, drive on well-lit roads. Good visibility can help you spot erratic drivers faster, giving you time to react and avoid a dangerous situation. Whenever possible, travel on roads with ample streetlights.
- Avoid Driving on Popular “Drinking Days”
During the holidays, people are more likely to be driving while drunk on some particular days as compared to others. For instance, New Year’s Eve is a popular time for social gatherings and events that involve alcohol. If possible, avoid driving during this high-risk time. By staying off the road, you can reduce your chances of being in a drunk driving accident.
Legal Help Is Available
If you are involved in a drunk driving accident during the holiday season, our Miami car accident lawyers at The Pendas Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, Melbourne, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving#:~:text=How%20alcohol%20affects%20driving%20ability
