Driver Beware: Holiday Drunk Drivers

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, when we all get at least a little time off to enjoy the company of friends and family. Sadly, the merriment and increased traffic of the holiday season has an unfortunate side effect: the risk of drunk driving accidents is particularly high, with over 300 traffic fatalities involving alcohol on average during the week between Christmas and New Years alone.

Nobody wants to focus on such morbid concepts during an otherwise joyous time of year. For the sake of personal safety as well as making sure your family and friends stay safe, though, there are some simple guidelines to keep in mind to help prevent drunk driving accidents. And beyond that, it’s worth considering having a plan in place in case you or someone you know ends up getting involved in a collision with an impaired.

How to Limit the Chance of Being Involved In a Drunk Driving Accident

For Kentucky drivers, the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) allowed for most drivers is the federally-mandated 0.08%. For commercial drivers of any kind, the limit is even lower, at 0.04% BAC. And finally, for drivers under 21, the Kentucky Zero Tolerance Alcohol Rule limits BAC to 0.02%.

The very best option is to have a designated driver who does not drink at all for the entirety of the evening.

If you find that your holiday gathering does not have enough fully sober people to drive people to their destinations, try to organize taxi or ride share services for each person and coordinate to get their vehicles to them at another time when everyone is sober.

These defensive decisions are extremely helpful because you cannot control how other drivers behave on the roads. During such a high-volume traffic season like the holidays, it’s particularly important to carefully manage each choice you make when deciding to travel by car.

What to Do If You’re Involved In a Drunk Driving Accident

First, take a breath and remember that you’re in a situation that authorities, first responders and legal counsel are unfortunately familiar with, due to the high rate of incidents of this type throughout the United States.

When first responders ask you for the details of the collision, stick entirely to the exact facts as you recall them. Do not lie, and do not “editorialize,” meaning opinion-based flourishes meant to either defend or exculpate yourself. First responders deserve a truthful response, but you should not say anything beyond the bare basics before speaking with an attorney.

If you are clear-headed and able, it does not hurt to record the incident. This could help your legal representation bolster your defense. However, this is not recommended if the collision looks even remotely unsafe, or if someone needs immediate assistance that you are willing and able to provide.

Finding Legal Representation After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you or a loved one are the victim of a drunk driver, you are entitled to legal representation, and very likely compensation for the mental and physical suffering stemming from the incident.

At Saladino & Schaaf, our team collectively brings to the table many long years of experience representing Kentuckians in drunk driving accident lawsuits. If you or someone you know has been injured in this type of traffic incident, you are welcome to contact us online, or call us directly at (270) 444-0406. Each consultation with a prospective client is completely free of charge, so please do not hesitate to share the details of your situation with us. But, due to the time sensitive nature of these cases, consider contacting us as soon as possible. We look forward to doing everything we can to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.