Thousands of people are injured or killed in drunk driving accidents every year. And every year, those accidents spike during the holiday season. New Year's Eve is no exception. If you're planning on celebrating the new year with alcohol, have a plan for a safe ride home. Bring your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. And if you're going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 30 people are killed in drunk driving accidents daily. That's one person every 48 minutes. And those deaths account for nearly 10,000 fatalities each year. Drunk driving isn't just dangerous for the people involved in the accident. It's also costly. Over $44 billion is spent annually on alcohol-related crashes.
What Causes Drunk Driving Accidents?
Several factors contribute to drunk driving accidents. First and foremost is alcohol impairment. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered legally drunk in all 50 states. But even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reflexes. And as BAC increases, so does the risk of being involved in a fatal accident. Other factors contributing to drunk driving accidents include speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and distracted driving (e.g., texting while behind the wheel).
How to Avoid Drinking and Driving?
The best way to avoid drinking and driving is to plan to get home before you start drinking. If you're going to be out celebrating, designate a sober driver ahead of time. And if you find yourself without a sober driver, several options are available, including public transportation, taxis, and Uber/Lyft. If you plan on drinking, don't put yourself in a position where you have to choose between drinking and driving.
Get a Complimentary Consultation
For a complimentary initial consultation, please call the Frickey Law Firm today at 303-997-0211 if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. You will only have to pay something if we win. We help accident victims in Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, and surrounding areas.