DUI

A Holiday Reminder: The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

Although the holiday season brings about lots of festivities and happy memories, it’s also a time when drunk driving skyrockets. Holidays tend to be destination-oriented and celebrated with alcohol consumption. As Florida continues to be a top destination during the holidays, visitors and residents must stay aware of the increased risk of car travel, specifically during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, and the days surrounding these occasions. 

You may be enjoying various bars in Winter Park, for example, like The Courtesy, Permanent Vacation, or The Imperial. While we encourage you to have fun, you must also be aware of your sobriety and refrain from driving drunk. If Winter Park Police Department stops you and finds that you are above the legal alcohol limit, they will absolutely charge you with a DUI.

In this blog, we will take a closer look at the daunting statistics correlated to drinking and driving, and the methods you can take to protect yourself and your family during the holidays. 

The Serious Dangers of Drunk Driving

The events following a drunk driving incident can be tragic, and leave a lasting mark on everyone involved. Let’s take a look at recently pulled drinking and driving stats from the 2023 Florida holiday season: 

  • DUI arrests increased by 20% during holiday time
  • Over 1,500 individuals were placed under arrest for DUI/DWI offenses
  • 274 drunk driving-induced fatal crashes filed
  • Florida is ranked #5 on the list of states with the most amount of fatal alcohol-related crashes
  • 30 reports of fatal drunk driving-induced crashes involving 15-20-year-olds
  • Approximately 326 deaths caused by drunk driving accidents

Carrying the guilt of such actions can weigh pretty heavily on one’s conscious. Even if a drunk driving accident results in minimal to no injury, a DUI can leave a driver with detrimental legal penalties. In addition, due to societal implications, DUIs are heavily frowned upon, posing a risk to personal and professional relationships. 

Recommendations on Preventing Drunk Driving During the Holidays

During the holidays it’s inevitable that celebrations will occur. Here are some suggestions on how to stay safe and prevent your involvement in drunk driving-related accidents: 

Assign a designated driver: Find someone to remain sober so that individuals can still enjoy the festivities, but there is always a person available who can safely drive them home. It’s important to designate a driver early in the night to avoid miscommunication and ensure that responsibilities are understood. 

Utilize ride shares: Ubers and Lyfts are an easy alternative, as they outsource sober drivers for you. Another benefit of this option is that it can be selected proactively, and are usually available 24/7. 

Take public transportation: Buses and Taxis are other great and safe options that are more cost-efficient. If selected, keep in mind the scheduling and route options. 

Be observant: Whether you are a host or in attendance at a celebration, keep an eye out for guests. If someone is grabbing their keys or is talking about driving seem intoxicated, take their keys or offer an alternative method of transportation, if possible.  

No matter the selected effort, it is vital that you take the steps necessary to keep yourself and those around you safe. Taking the initiative could save someone’s life and surround your holidays with joy, instead of devastating consequences. 

How to Protect Yourself After a Drunk Driving Accident at Christmastime

Being involved in a drunk driving accident can have catastrophic impacts on your life, whether you were the negligent driver or the person injured. If you were charged with this crime, you need to speak with a trusted DUI attorney from The Umansky Law Firm, who can help you every step of the way. 

And even though you may already make an effort to ensure a safe and stress-free holiday season, the decisions of others are out of your control. If harmed by a drunk driver, call our car accident injury attorneys today to get the compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Stephen

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