‘Tis the Season: Watch Out for Drunk Drivers

From Thanksgiving through the New Year, many of us have multiple celebratory events to attend. Parties, dinners, and the holidays themselves are invaluable occasions to catch up with friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. Of course, these events often mean having a drink or two. For some, however, the drinks do not stop at one or two. Unfortunately, many of these people then get behind the wheel. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that this time of the year is one of the highest for alcohol-related car accidents. If you have been injured by someone who was driving while under the influence, a car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need to get your life back. 

Tips for Keeping Yourself Safe

Drunk driving accidents can occur at any time and at any place. That does not mean, however, that there is nothing you can do to protect yourself from drunk drivers. Here are some tips that can significantly reduce your risk of getting injured in a drunk driving accident during this time of year. 

Avoid Driving After Dark

Whether it is a family Christmas party or an after-work holiday event, almost all of these celebrations are held at night. That means that you are more likely to encounter intoxicated drivers at night. If possible, avoid being on the road from happy hour until 30 minutes or so after the bars close. 

Avoid Driving on Popular “Drinking Holidays”

New Year’s Eve is probably the worst time to be on the road. However, do not overlook other holidays when people are more likely to be driving while intoxicated such as Thanksgiving evening and Superbowl Sunday. Drunk drivers are also more likely to be on the road on Friday and Saturday nights during this time.

Keep Your Distance

Stay to the right side of the road and do not follow the car in front of you too closely. You want to have plenty of time to avoid an accident. It is also a good idea to watch your speed. The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to what other drivers are doing. 

Stay on Well-Lit Highways and Avoid Rural Roads

Two-lane rural roads tend to have no lighting, poor visibility, and little room for error. To the extent possible, try to travel on well-lit, multi-lane roads with good visibility so that you can avoid dangerous situations before an accident occurs. 

What to Do if You Have Been in an Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver

If the other driver was driving while under the influence of alcohol, they can be held liable for your injuries and other losses. If possible, you need to take steps in order to protect your claim. Some of the things you can do include the following: 

• Insist on contacting the police. Even if you are not sure if you have been injured, you want the police to come and prepare an accident report. This accident report could be important evidence in your case. Do not let the other driver talk you out of contacting the police. 
• Inform the officer that you suspect the other driver has been drinking. You should explain why you think they may be intoxicated. Share your observations – they were driving erratically, you smelled it on their breath, their eyes were watery, or their speech was slurred. This should prompt the officer to investigate. 
• Get contact information for any witnesses. Third-party witnesses can be invaluable. They may be able to corroborate your observations concerning the other driver’s intoxication. You want to be able to ask them to provide a statement later, so be sure to get their name, cell phone number, and email address. 
• Document the scene of the accident. Use the camera on your phone to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, any injuries you suffered, and the damage to the other vehicle. You should also take pictures of the general scene to document the location of the vehicles, any signage, or traffic lights. 

The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to contact an experienced car accident attorney for help. 

Contact Car Accident Attorney Tom Pyles if You Have Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident 

If you have been injured, we can help you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call us today at 301-705-5006 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.