The holiday season is a time for family, friends and fun. And for some, alcohol also plays a big part in everything they do.
While there’s nothing wrong with consuming a few alcoholic beverages during the holidays, you don’t want to jeopardize your safety along the way.
You don’t have control over other drivers on the road, but there are steps you can personally take to prevent a holiday drunk driving accident. Consider the following:
- Assign a designated driver: Don’t consume alcohol with the idea that you’ll find your way home “one way or the next.” Before you begin drinking, make sure you have a designated driver lined up. This will ensure that there is always someone sober at the wheel.
- Call for a ride: If you’re unable to drive and you don’t have a designated driver to assist you, call a cab or use a ride-sharing app to get home. Yes, it will cost you a bit of time and a few dollars, but it’s well worth your safety.
- Don’t overdo it: When you’re having a good time, it’s easy to overlook how many drinks you’re having. It’s also easy to throw caution to the wind and worry about the consequences later. Taking either approach will put your safety at risk. Drink in moderation and stop when you feel that you’re reaching your limit.
- Drink water, too: For example, if you drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage, it will slow down your consumption. It will also help you prevent a hangover the next morning.
These are the types of steps you can take to prevent causing a drunk driving accident this holiday season.
Unfortunately, since you can’t make other drivers follow these tips, someone else could cause a crash that results in serious injury or even death.
If you’re injured in a drunk driving accident, pull to safety, check yourself for injuries and collect evidence from the scene. Also, call 911 immediately, as the dispatcher can send an ambulance and police to the scene.
As you recover, contact your insurance agent to file a claim, learn more about the accident and take steps to protect your legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, you may be in position to seek compensation from the negligent driver.