Campaign to Crackdown on Holiday Drunk Driving Underway
The holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it is also the most dangerous on our roadways. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that there is often an increase in drunk driving deaths during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The NHTSA is cracking down on holiday drunk driving by launching its annual traffic enforcement campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The campaign aims to educate people about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving and will run until Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Traffic safety officials said it is a statewide campaign, so law enforcement across California will be out looking for impaired drivers.
National Drunk Driving-Related Accidents
Since holidays are a time of celebration with family and friends, social drinking is more common. Drivers on the roads are more likely to be intoxicated, increasing your risk of a tragic accident. According to 2020 NHTSA statistics:
- 11,654 people died in drunk driving collisions
- 56 percent of occupants in serious or fatal accidents tested positive for alcohol or drug
- One person is killed about every 45 minutes in an accident involving a drunk driver
The report showed the accident risk for drivers with a .08 blood alcohol content is nearly four times compared to those without alcohol. Motorists with a blood alcohol content of .05 are twice more likely to crash than non-drinkers.
NHTSA urges everyone celebrating the holidays to plan ahead and never drive drunk or high to prevent tragedies.
Watch the YouTube video: Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over. The ad campaign below provides a powerful message about the consequences of drinking under the influence of alcohol.
Tips for Safe Driving During the Holidays
We all have a responsibility to help keep drunk drivers off the streets. According to the NHTSA, planning is crucial to driving safely during the holiday season. Below are some tips for planning a safe celebration:
- If you plan to drink, arrange to stay the night, ask a sober person to drive you home, or call for a taxi.
- When traveling with a group, select a designated driver before heading out. Ensure the driver understands their responsibility for staying sober.
- Even if you are not driving, go easy with the alcohol. It is toxic and can be deadly in large amounts.
- Avoid driving at risky times. Data have shown about one-third of all crashes involving a drunk driver occur on the weekend between midnight and 3 a.m.
- Always wear a seatbelt because it is your best protection against intoxicated drivers.
- Keep a safe distance from any motorists who appear to be intoxicated. If you believe a driver is drunk and may be a danger to others on the road, call the police.
Signs of a Drunk Driver
Until they fail a breathalyzer or cause a crash, it may be impossible to tell if a driver is drunk. However, there are times they show clear signs of intoxication, including the following:
- Drifting toward the centerline
- Swerving
- Braking for no reason
- Stopping far before or after a stop line
- Making illegal turns
- Nearly hitting an object in the road or the curb
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to unfortunate and sometimes deadly scenarios for everyone on the road. If you or a family member has suffered severe injuries in an accident involving a drunk driver, call our experienced legal team at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also contact us online.
Our injury attorneys have helped our clients obtain full verdicts and settlements since 1982.
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