It’s the most wonderful time of the year, where we all come together to celebrate the end-of-year festivities. There will certainly be good food and plenty of alcohol in everyone’s future. Just because you’re cutting loose, however, doesn’t mean you should try to bend the laws of the land.
Driving while intoxicated is not just a serious crime, it’s incredibly dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that every day, 37 people are killed by a drunk driver in the United States. This is especially true during the holidays, where law enforcement sees a huge uptick in car accidents. Whether you’re having a New Year’s Eve party at your friend’s house or going out for a late-night bar crawl, you should keep a few things in mind to minimize your chance of doing something dangerous and getting hurt.
Have a Designated Driver
The best way to prevent you and your friends from getting on the road tipsy is to have one person stay sober. Ahead of the festivities, make sure you have at least one sober person in your group. If none of you can drive, then it is much safer to call an Uber or a taxi than attempt to drive while intoxicated.
Eat a Meal Beforehand
There are several factors that can affect your level of intoxication, including your gender, weight, and age. One factor that is very easy to forget is your food intake. You’re likely to get drunker quicker on an empty stomach. Your New Year’s Eve party might offer snacks and appetizers, but that might not be enough to line your stomach. Making sure you’ve eaten a full meal before having fun will ensure that no one gets too drunk and does something that could injure someone else.
Consider Non-Alcoholic Options
Nowadays, you have a lot of fun drink options that specifically don’t include any alcohol. From mocktails to non-alcoholic beer and spirits, producers are coming up with ways for people to enjoy aspects of alcohol without the intoxication. If you know you need to drive later, you could still join in the festivities with one of these options. Alternatively, having these options for your designated driver is a great way to show them how appreciative you are.
Don’t Wait if You’re Injured
Even if you and your friends do you due diligence, you still might come across a drunk driver on the road. They might even cause you to get into a car accident, which could very easily lead to injury. If that’s the case, you do not want to wait. Get in contact with a car accident lawyer immediately. They can help you figure out how to best move forward after the situation.
Take the First Steps to Recover with Chris Miller
When you’re injured by a drunk driver, you might feel hopeless and alone. After all, the direction your life was going has completely changed. You need someone who can help you through every step of the process. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a car accident, call us at the Law Office of Chris Miller and get the settlement you deserve.