DUIs and Holiday Driving

‘Tis the Season for Dashing Décor and DUIs

The holiday season is magical, yet this time of year can also be very dangerous.  As young children, we eagerly await the gift-giving, holiday traditions and as adults we still cherish the holiday season, but have much more to worry about.

The winter holiday season is dangerous for drivers of all ages. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, historical data indicates the Christmas holiday season has a 25%+ increase in daily drunk driving fatalities. For New Years, a 50% increase can be expected.

Factors Leading to Holiday Dangers

More people traveling on the roads

Travelers unfamiliar with road / area

Inclement weather

Early sunset

Increased drunk driving

The US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism cites roughly 40% of all traffic deaths around Christmas and New Years’ were a result of drunk drivers. This is 4 of every 10… a nearly 2:1 ratio.

The scary truth is that for every drunk driver that causes an accident, hundreds, if not thousands of other drunk drivers are on the roads undetected.  It is suspected that a drunk driver actually drives drunk over 80 times before getting caught or causes an accident!

What to do after an Accident

While it can be overwhelming, what you do immediately following an accident can have a profound impact on an injury claim, should you have one. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident, it is important to follow these guidelines.

1. Seek professional medical treatment
2. Contact emergency help – Police and EMTs
3. Contact your insurance company
4. Contact an experienced accident attorney

After the accident, property damage and injuries may not appear to be serious. Some victims may not seek medical help, or may not initially involve the police.  This can be a grave mistake. Always call the local authorities and seek a proper medical evaluation.  Keep a journal of signs and symptoms present following an accident, and work closely with a trusted medical professional. Late onset injuries can have a very dangerous outcome.

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a senseless drunk driving accident contact an experienced accident attorney at Nager, Romaine and Schneiberg.  Insurance companies will be quick to offer a settlement so do not be quick to accept. NRS Injury law will ensure you receive the best compensation possible.