It’s no secret that drunk driving is an epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol contributed to a deplorable 31 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2014. Although these crashes occur every day across the country, they are particularly common on drinking holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
BACtrack cited a study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which showed that 54 people died every day on average over the New Year’s holiday period between 2001 and 2005. This was more than 66-percent higher than the daily average of the calendar year.
In 2015, more than 42 percent of all traffic accidents on New Year’s Eve involved a drunk driver.
If there’s one lesson to take from these statistics, it’s that New Year’s Eve is not a safe time to get behind the wheel. If you have no choice but to drive, you can reduce your risk of getting in an alcohol-related crash by following these three tips:
- Do not consume alcohol if you intend to drive;
- Keep your distance from drivers who appear to be intoxicated; and
- Use a ride-share service if you consume alcohol.
Unfortunately, no matter how safe you are behind the wheel, all it takes is one drunk, distracted or reckless driver to cause an accident. If your New Year’s celebration ends with a car wreck, contact the top car accident lawyer, Ed Bernstein & Associates.
Our firm has been representing the injured for more than 40 years. An auto accident lawyer in Las Vegas will help you claim the highest possible compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 702-240-0000.
Let’s take a closer look at three tips to help you avoid drunk-driving collisions over New Year’s Eve:
- Do Not Consume Alcohol If You Intend to Drive
This might seem like a no-brainer, but far too many people abandon their resolve on drinking holidays and get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Don’t make this mistake. Arrange alternative transportation or find a designated driver before the festivities begin.
- Keep Your Distance from Drivers Who Appear to Be Intoxicated
If you get behind the wheel on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, you’d better expect drunk drivers to be on the road. Keep your distance from motorists who show these signs of intoxication:
- Swerving;
- Drifting onto the shoulder;
- Not using their headlights while driving at night;
- Almost hitting the curb or another object in the road;
- Straddling two lanes;
- Using the wrong turn signal or no turn signal at all; or
- Stopping well before or after a stop line.
- Use a Ride-Share Service If You Consume Alcohol
Uber and Lyft have been operating in Las Vegas since 2015. These services are cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis. Be sure to download a ride-share app before New Year’s Eve so you have a backup plan if you decide to celebrate with a few drinks.
If you are hit by a drunk driver on New Year’s Eve, contact Ed Bernstein & Associates. A Las Vegas auto accident lawyer will handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call 702-240-0000 today to schedule a free initial consultation.