How to Avoid Drunk-Driving Crashes During the Holidays

It is no secret that there are more drunk driving crashes during the holiday season. Unfortunately, when these crashes happen, they are often deadly. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being a victim of a drunk driving crash during the holidays.

At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, we have seen the damages caused by drunk driving crashes. Even when the victims of these collisions survive, the injuries they suffer are often severe and life-altering. The financial burden on victims and their families can ruin the holidays for years to come.

If you were injured in a crash because of a drunk driver’s negligence, we are prepared to help. We have extensive experience helping injured victims and a history of proven results. Call to discuss your situation and potential legal options today. There is no upfront cost or risk to you.

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Why Are There More Drunk Driving Crashes During the Holidays?

There are a lot of reasons for the increase in drunk-driving crashes during the holidays. In part, it is because there are more holiday parties where alcohol is served, especially on New Year’s Eve. However, there are other reasons as well, such as:

• Driving at night inherently carries more crash risks, especially due to decreased visibility
• Wintery weather in many areas may make driving more hazardous to tired and buzzed drivers
• There are more vehicles on the roads than usual due to holiday travel congestion
• People, in general, may consume more alcohol during the holiday season
• Infrequent partygoers may also drink more and be less prepared to handle the effects
• Greater amounts of alcohol are served at parties during holidays, such as New Year’s Eve
• People mistakenly think they are okay to drive while still buzzed, intoxicated, hungover or fatigued

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of a Drunk Driving Crash During the Holidays?

The biggest challenge any time of the year is getting people to understand just how risky it is to drink and drive. Too often, people may not realize it until it happens to them or someone they care about.

That said, there are some steps you can take to avoid causing or being in a drunk driving crash.

Do Not Drive While Buzzed or Intoxicated

Contrary to what many drivers believe, you cannot operate your vehicle safely when buzzed. It is harder to focus, and you are more likely to feel drowsy. If there is a sudden road hazard, such as a deer in the road, you would likely not be able to react in time. Whether we are intoxicated, drowsy or impaired in any way, our ability to make decisions is significantly slowed.

Studies show that even with only a 0.02 percent BAC level, people may experience:

• Reduced visual function
• Impaired judgment
• Altered mood
• Inability to do two things at the same time

In short, even if you believe you are “only” buzzed or a little hungover, it is best not to take the risk.

Do Not Let Friends Drive Drunk

This may sound like a tired cliché, but it is a good one. You could save your friend’s life or the lives of others who may be on the road at the same time.

Plan Your After-Party Exit Ahead of Time

The reason for planning what happens after you party is simple. You can make better decisions when you are not already under the influence.

Whether you plan to stay in a nearby hotel, crash at a friend’s house or take a rideshare, you cannot be too careful. Maybe your plan is simply to drink less and stop drinking earlier.

Be a Good Host

Stop serving alcoholic drinks early and keep serving food throughout the party. If you see a guest who is visibly intoxicated, do not let him or her get behind the wheel. Either call a rideshare or insist that your guest crashes at your place.

What Are the Penalties in Texas for Driving Drunk?

Under state law, you are considered to be driving drunk if your blood alcohol level is 0.08 or higher. That said, even if your blood alcohol level is lower than 0.08, you are breaking the law if any amount of alcohol causes you to drive unsafely.

Drunk drivers in Texas face stiff penalties and jail time. Even for first offenders, the penalties may include the loss of your driver’s license for up to a year, up to 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. For repeat offenders, the fines, jail time and other penalties increase.

Holiday Road Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

Regardless of whether you choose to stay in or go out, everyone can help make holiday road travel safer. Be a good host, protect your friends and report drunk drivers you see on the road. Most importantly, make a promise not to drive while buzzed, drunk, drowsy or hungover. The life you save could be your own or someone who matters to you.

Call Our Trusted Law Firm for Legal Help After a Crash

Our auto accident lawyers in Fort Worth are ready to fight to protect your interests after a crash that caused you injuries and other losses.

Not sure if you have a case? Take advantage of the free case review we offer to find out. You can meet with one of our licensed attorneys at no cost to you. If we represent you, there are also no upfront costs to pay.

Experienced lawyers. Proven results. (817) 920-9000.