Arizona is home to many festivals and events during the holiday season, and residents and guests alike love to attend. While most people choose a designated driver or use public transit to get to and from events, there are a few who will break the law and drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Still others will drive while abusing prescription drugs that may make them drowsy and inattentive.
This presents a danger to everyone on the road, in parking lots and anywhere else a car can crash. Driving while under the influence is dangerous, illegal and could cost you and others their lives.
With the holidays approaching, there is more likelihood of coming in close proximity to a drunk driver. With celebrations like Oktoberfest, Halloween, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, there are more opportunities for people to indulge in alcohol. Here are some tips to keep yourself and your family safe:
First, make sure you are not adding to the problem. If you plan to attend an event and consume alcohol, choose a designated driver or plan to use public transit to get home. Encourage friends and family to do the same. If you host a party, help ensure guests do not drive away while under the influence. Keep their keys and call them a taxi instead.
Leave early. Many accidents happen later at night after people have been drinking for hours. Leaving before dusk ensures you have daylight to help you see the road and lessens the chance you are on the road with drivers who are leaving bars after hours of drinking.
If you notice a driver who is driving erratically, such as swerving, slowing and speeding up, or even falling asleep at the wheel, put distance between your car and theirs and immediately call 911 when you can safely do so. Alert the authorities that there is a possible drunk driver on the road, give them your location and the drunk driver’s license plate.
Use extra caution in parking lots and while crossing streets. Keep your children close and look both ways before crossing. Go straight to your car in parking lots and do not walk down the middle of the parking row. Instead, use walkways or stay to the side of moving cars. Use a flashlight if you are looking for your car after dark so you are more visible to motorists.
If you are hurt by a drunk driver this holiday season, contact the team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., immediately. We gather facts and if we take your case, we’ll work to get you a settlement that can help pay your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and more.