Family gatherings, office parties, and friendly seasonal get-togethers are a time to celebrate the holidays. Commonly, these events include consumption of alcohol, including champagne, beer, wine, and spirits. While relaxing with a few drinks at a party is common during the holidays, all drivers need to be aware of the dangers of drunk driving. Even if you would never get behind the wheel after drinking, also be aware that the holidays increase the risk of drunk drivers using Florida’s roadways.
Every year, drunk drivers cause thousands of accidents, injuries and deaths. The risks of these accidents spikes from Thanksgiving through the New Year. The dangers of drunk driving are well-known; however, the threat of intoxicated drivers continues to plague our roads. Our Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accident attorneys are experienced with investigating drunk driving accidents and pursuing claims against liable parties. We will take a comprehensive approach to identify all responsible individuals and entities including drunk drivers, bar tenders, organizations, and companies that may have over-served their employees at an event. In these cases, it is important to leave no stone unturned when identifying liable individuals and entities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 10,322 drunk driving fatalities in 2012. This is up from 9,865 in 2011. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is warning against the dangers of drunk driving this holiday season. Based on a survey conducted by the organization, 73% of adults (21 and over) said that they had been to a holiday event and seen someone drive home after drinking too much. The survey also found that of those 73%, 19% of respondents did nothing to help the drunk driver or to prevent an accident.
In response to these alarming statistics, the organization has started a new campaign called “Tie One On For Safety” which is a holiday initiative focused on putting an end to drunk driving. The campaign which started in 2006 is the longest running and most visible public awareness campaign set forth by MADD. Every holiday season, the organization asks drivers to place a “MADD red ribbon” in a visible location as a reminder to designate a driver.
While the phrase “tie one on” has usually been associated with drinking alcohol or binge drinking, the non-profit has co-opted the term to help remind drinkers not to get behind the wheel. In addition to preventing drunk drivers, the agency also wants to urge bystanders to become more involved and do something if they encounter a drunk driver about to get behind the wheel.
If you want to donate to MADD and contribute to the public awareness campaign, you can make a donation of $5 or more to cover the costs of ribbons and shipping. There are also magnets you can place on your vehicle available for $10. Stopping drunk drivers requires that all motorists be prepared and do their part to prevent alcohol related accidents.
This holiday season, you can do your part to prevent drunk driving accidents, injuries and fatalities. Never get behind the wheel if you have had too much to drink. If you observe someone who has been drinking try to drive, you should be proactive to stop them from driving and call the police if necessary. If you or someone you love has been involved in a drinking and driving accident, remember that you may be entitled to significant compensation.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, contact Freeman Injury Law at 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Dangers of Holiday Season Travel and Traffic, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, November 1, 2013
Fatal Tractor-Trailer in Lake Worth a Reminder of the Risks, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, September 22, 2013