With the start of the winter holiday season right around the corner, there’s a chance that you’ll be out on the roads visiting with friends and family members. One thing that you need to be prepared for is an uptick in the number of the drivers on the road. Unfortunately, some of those individuals will be impaired.
Many people go to holiday gatherings and consume alcoholic beverages. It’s imperative that they either find a suitable way home or remain where they are. Driving while impaired puts everyone on the road at risk of being involved in a wreck.
Winter holiday dangers
Three of the top six most dangerous holidays occur from late November through early January. These include the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. While those are the days when you should be extra vigilant, it’s imperative that you are careful through the entire holiday season.
If you’re going to head out on the roads, especially on the days when there’s an increased chance that you’ll encounter a drunk driver, make sure that you’re paying close attention to what’s going on around your vehicle.
Even a little alcohol increases danger
Some people who are out with family members and friends think that they can safely drive after having only a drink or two. While the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is .08%, the impacts of alcohol begin to affect drivers at as low as .02%, which is commonly reached after having two beers. A person’s blood alcohol concentration percentage goes up to .08% after approximately four beers.
By the time a person reaches .08%, they’ll likely have considerable difficulty doing normal driving tasks. They might not have the proper judgment to make decisions as they drive. They may not be able to control the vehicle’s speed or steering properly.
This means you’ll likely notice the vehicle swerving and acting erratically. Stopping without cause, disobeying traffic signs and signals, and nearly hitting roadside objects are also signs that a driver is drunk. If possible, try to avoid those vehicles.
In the event of a drunk driving crash…
While you can do your part to remain safe, you might still be struck by a drunk driver. If this occurs, you should seek medical care for your injuries. You may also consider seeking compensation from the driver who was impaired. This can help to recover the financial damages that you’re dealing with due to the crash.