Holiday Drinking and Driving Safety Tips
From delectable eggnog on Christmas to decadent champagne on New Year’s Eve, alcoholic beverages are enjoyed by millions of people during the holiday season. Unfortunately, festive alcohol consumption also brings an increase in the amount of car accidents caused by driving under the influence (DUI).
According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 285 drunk driving-related fatalities between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day in 2018–all of which were preventable. To help you and your loved ones avoid a holiday drinking and driving car accident, Patterson Legal Group offers the following tips for party hosts and partygoers.
Related: Stay Safe During Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Holiday Drinking and Driving Safety Tips For Hosts
If you’re planning to host a holiday party then offering safe transportation options should be on your to-do list. Yes, having excellent food, drinks, decorations, and music can make for an unforgettable party. However, a good host will make sure that their guests can also get home safely so that they can rave about the party for years to come.
To help your guests avoid a DUI accident, Patterson Legal Group recommends:
- Collecting car keys as your guests arrive
- Having plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages available so guests don’t get too drunk
- Having a sober family member or friend available to drive guests home
- Renting a “party van” and driver to bring guests home safely
- Having your guest room and/or sofa ready for any guests that are in no condition to drive home
While rideshare services and taxis are normally a fantastic way to get people home safely after a night of drinking, demand during the holidays is high–especially on New Year’s Eve. These options might not be feasible for you and your guests, so a private solution might be best.
Holiday Drinking and Driving Safety Tips For Guests
While holiday parties are a great time to cut loose and enjoy the company of your dearest friends, it’s important to do so responsibly. If you know that you’re going to drink or that there’s a possibility that you might drink then you owe it to yourself to make sure that you have a way to get home safely. Before you go out, make sure that you:
- Have a sober person to keep an eye out for you and your party
- Ask a sober friend or family member to serve as a designated driver (and reward them with a lovely gift!)
- Arrange for transportation beforehand with a service like Dryver
- Book a hotel room near the party or venue you’ll be going to if it’s far from home
Again, while rideshare services and taxi companies can be an excellent solution for a safe way home, holiday demand can be high. It’s best to make arrangements beforehand so that you can enjoy your evening and make some holiday memories.
What If I’m Hit By a Drunk Driver?
Unfortunately, there’s a chance that you’ll get into an accident no matter how safe you’re being. In those cases, it’s important to know what steps to take after you’ve been hit by a drunk driver. If you have a designated driver or sober person accompanying you then make sure that they understand the vital steps to take in the event of a DUI accident.
Please note that Patterson Legal Group is available to assist you 24/7 over the holidays. Whether you’ve been in an accident in Kansas or Missouri, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers can help you.
Contact Patterson Legal Group
Patterson Legal Group hopes that you have wonderful holiday celebrations that are memorable and safe. We strongly suggest that you keep our number handy just in case you get into an accident caused by holiday drinking and driving. Whether it’s Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, our staff is available to take your call at 888-687-2400. We’re also available online through LiveChat and secure contact form.
Our staff is dedicated to finding you the help that you need and making sure that you receive the highest possible compensation for your injuries. Best of all, consultations are free and we work on a “no win, no fee” basis, so you don’t pay us a dime until your case is won.
Our personal injury attorneys have recovered more than $200 million for our clients. Give us a call today and find out why Patterson Legal Group has become one of the most trusted names in personal injury law throughout Kansas and Missouri.
