Designate a Driver for Independence Day Celebrations

 Posted on June 30, 2016 in Personal Injury

Hinsdale drunk driving accident attorneyThis coming Monday, our great nation will celebrate its 240th birthday. No country or institution is perfect, but we are fortunate to live in a land that recognizes personal freedom and the value of hard work. Regardless of your political leanings or who you will be voting for in this November’s presidential election, take some time this weekend to appreciate the liberties offered by the United States of America. It is important, however, to do so safely and without putting others at risk. If you are going to drink during Independence Day celebrations, do not get behind the wheel; avoid a DUI by designating a driver or finding another way home.

Deadly Dangers

The Fourth of July is among the deadliest days of the entire year as a result of alcohol-related car accidents, second only to New Year’s Eve. An estimated 40 percent of all traffic fatalities around Independence day involve at least one driver with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit of 0.8 percent. That number, sadly, is even higher among younger drivers. Nearly 60 percent of drivers between age 18 and 34 killed in traffic accidents around the Fourth of July in 2014 were legally drunk.

Law Enforcement Efforts

Across the country, state and municipal police departments will be on the lookout for drunk drivers this holiday weekend. Their primary goal is to keep the roadways safe for everyone. Of course, an arrest on charges of DUI can present a whole host of other complications for drunk drivers as well. The average cost of a DUI charge is around $10,000, but the costs pale in comparison to the damage that you could cause in an alcohol-fueled accident.

Tips for Staying Safe

If your plans for the Fourth of July include alcohol, there are some steps you can take to reduce the possibility of a deadly crash:

  • Designate a driver in advance and hand over your keys before your first drink;
  • Make plans to stay at or within walking distance from the location of your celebration;
  • Utilize free or reduced-fare public transportation services available in many towns and municipalities;
  • Download a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft, which usually offer free or discounted first rides; and
  • Do not accept a ride from a friend unless you know he or her has not been drinking.

Hurt in an Accident?

You can only control your own actions, so the possibility of an accident can never be fully eliminated. If you are injured in an alcohol-related accident, it is important to understand your options for recovering compensation. Contact an experienced Hinsdale personal injury attorney to discuss your case at a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 630-920-8855 today and get the quality representation you deserve.

Sources:

http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/july4th

http://www.muni.org/Departments/police/traffic/Pages/SafetyJuly4Holiday.aspx

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fourth-july-theres-no-excuse-142214243.html

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