Tips to Help Avoid Drunk Driving Accidents
More than thirty percent of all auto accidents are caused by drunk driving. What’s even more alarming is someone dies as a result of alcohol-impaired driving every forty-eight minutes in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control.
Alcohol makes driving very dangerous by impairing judgment and slowing reaction time, but these accidents can be prevented. Despite the fact that people have been repeatedly warned about the dangers of drunk driving, many will still drink and drive. It is likely that you have passed an intoxicated driver without even realizing it. It is only a matter of time before someone who has decided to drive after drinking too much puts your life in jeopardy because of their poor decisions.
How Can I Avoid Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drivers must constantly drive defensively to protect themselves against the uncontrolled driving of people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Refusing to operate a vehicle when you are impaired is the most important defense against being involved in an accident. Most accidents that are the fault of an impaired driver affect a perfectly sober one. If you or a loved one was hurt because of the decisions of a drunk driver, contact our
accident attorneys in Raleigh, or our
car accident lawyers in Jacksonville. We are available 24/7.
Below are a few tips to help protect yourself and your passengers from impaired drivers:
Buckle Your Seatbelt
Properly using your seatbelt is your number one defense against a drunk driver. While there is only so much you can do to avoid impaired drivers, a seatbelt is proven to reduce the likelihood of a crash being fatal or causing serious injuries. Make sure to fasten your seatbelt and insist each passenger in your vehicle do the same. After all, it is the law.
Maintain a Generous Following Distance
Staying back several car lengths will allow you to notice any erratic driving of drunk or impaired drivers before they are directly in your route. Should you notice a car swerving, slowing and speeding up repeatedly, or a strange acting driver, keep your vehicle as far away as possible. Make sure to call 911 so that the potentially impaired driver can be pulled over and removed from the road.
Accidents involving drunk drivers often occur at intersections when an impaired driver fails to obey stop signs or traffic signals. Be sure to take your time when driving through intersections, looking both ways and yielding to any oncoming traffic.
Avoid Driving Late at Night
Avoid driving late at night, especially on weekends. It only makes sense that most accidents involving impaired drivers happen late in the evening or in the early morning hours. It is best not to put yourself on roads that are likely to have an above average concentration of intoxicated drivers.
Holidays Can Be Hazardous
Always be aware of the possibility of encountering impaired drivers around the holidays. Summer and New Year’s Eve are especially important times to remember that there are intoxicated drivers on our roads.
Be a Designated Driver
Stay sober and volunteer to drive people who have been drinking and would otherwise drive themselves. This is a proactive way to keep drunk drivers off the road. Be responsible and volunteer to be the designated driver and feel good about the lives you may be saving.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk-driving accidents are a serious issue in North Carolina and across the United States. However, we can all play a role in keeping our roads safe for everyone.
If you or a loved one is harmed by a drunk driver, it is important that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The drunk driver faces criminal charges but there is still justice that must be sought after for the victim. Our team of dedicated
injury attorneys and staff have 30+ years of experience handling these types of accident cases and are ready to help you. The best part is we’re available 24/7 and the case consultation is always free. Don’t wait –
contact us today and let us fight for you.