Celebrating New Year’s Eve is a time for most to reflect on all the joy and positivity over the previous year and set goals to help them become the best versions of themselves. However, this can all be changed in an instant, as drunk driving skyrockets during this holiday period. As such, if you plan on celebrating with loved ones, taking the time to understand the dangers and what to do if you encounter an intoxicated driver is critical. You’ll want to keep reading to learn more about these matters and how an Orlando drunk driving accident lawyer can fight for you during these difficult times.
Why Is New Year’s Eve a Dangerous Holiday for Motorists?
It’s no secret that many choose to ring in the New Year with friends, family, and alcohol. This influx of people celebrating increases the likelihood that poor decisions will be made, as seen by the fact that statistics show that fatal overnight accidents during the New Year’s Eve period increase by 136% compared to the previous weeks. In fact, nearly 40% of these overnight fatal accidents involve alcohol, which is three times higher than the national average for the rest of the year.
If you plan on drinking to celebrate the holiday, ensure you have a designated driver or plan to spend the night. Even if you’ve only had a drink or two, it’s best to err on the side of caution to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.
What Should I Do if I Believe a Driver is Intoxicated?
If you are driving to or from a New Year’s Eve celebration, taking precautions to keep yourself and others on the road safe is critical. Unfortunately, you may encounter an erratic driver, which can indicate that they are under the influence. Signs of intoxication include an inability to maintain consistent speed, swerving on the road, running into curbs or medians, and driving aggressively.
Should you encounter a driver putting others at risk, you should call emergency services to report the driver. Try to give as much detail as possible, such as the road you are on and the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If possible, you should provide the license plate number. However, you should keep a considerable distance between yourself and the other car to avoid a collision.
In the event you are injured by an intoxicated driver on New Year’s Eve, you should immediately contact emergency services. Inform the operator that you believe the driver of the other vehicle is intoxicated, so the police can assess the scene when they arrive.
Being involved in an accident caused by someone else’s poor decisions can have serious ramifications on your life. That’s why it’s imperative to fight to hold them accountable. When you are injured at the hands of a drunk driver, the team at Tropical Injury Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances with a member of our dedicated firm.
