December is a month filled with celebrations, but it’s also a time when drivers need to be the most cautious.
Why? Well, all that celebrating often leads to drunk or drugged driving. Impaired driving is the cause of nearly 50% of all fatal wrecks on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 each year. That’s what’s prompted the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) to declare December “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.”
How can you do your part to keep impaired drivers off the road?
The most important thing you can do, of course, is make sure that you’re never part of the problem. If you plan to drink while you’re out a friend’s or relative’s house, plan to stay over. If you’re planning on heading to a party or a bar, take a designated driver with you or get a ride.
You can also encourage others to stay off the road when they’re impaired. Volunteer to be the designated driver for a buddy, give gift cards out to your loved ones for Uber or Lyft, and gently remind any guests in your home that they either need to watch how much they drink while they are there or spend the night. It’s better to lose someone’s keys than lose them to a fatal car accident.
What happens if you’re hit by an impaired driver?
If you are injured in a wreck or a loved one is killed by a drunk or drugged driver, the aftershocks on your life can be tremendous. While the state will handle any criminal issues, you will have to pursue financial compensation on your own. An attorney can help make sure that your interests are protected.