Surge in fatal car accidents on New Year’s Eve

2019 is quickly approaching. You may be looking forward to taking some well-deserved time off of work, and spending it with family and friends.

Whether you’re traveling to another state or staying local, it’s important to be aware of the added risk factors on the road at this time of year. New Year’s in particular sees a spike in drunk driving accidents. These accidents lead to a 40 percent increase in deaths—of drunk drivers and innocent victims alike—compared to other days of the year.

If you go out this holiday season, don’t underestimate the power of alcohol. Even if you don’t feel noticeably intoxicated, you may still be too impaired to drive. Late at night, fatigue combined with intoxication can exacerbate your level of impairment behind the wheel.

In addition, don’t assume that the alcohol you consume wears off soon after you stop drinking. As alcohol moves through your stomach and intestine, it continues to be released into the blood stream, creating an inebriated effect that lasts for hours. Drinking water or coffee does not hasten the sobering-up process.

Therefore, it’s important to arrange for a safe way to get home after your holiday celebration. You can:

• Stay at a friend’s house until the next morning—which is generally a safer time to be on the road.
• Find a designated driver who agrees to remain sober for the night and give you a ride home.
• Take a taxi or rideshare service.
• Take public transit. (Be aware that Palm Tran will operate on New Year’s Eve but not on New Year’s Day.)

While you can take steps to limit your own risk factors, you can’t control everyone else on the road. If you’re involved in a car accident with a reckless driver over the holidays, it’s important to get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. You have the right to seek justice.