During the holiday season, our nation’s roads become more congested as travelers head out to visit with friends and family to celebrate. Your calendar is probably filling up with holiday party requests. These parties often involve alcohol and you may encounter a greater number of drivers who are impaired by alcohol on the roads this time of year. The statistics can be quite frightening – and unfortunately, the number of fatalities year after year from accidents that involve alcohol-impaired drivers is so consistent that it has become very predictable.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that 52% of fatal car accidents on Christmas Day and 57% of traffic fatalities on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will be directly attributable to alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 25,000 traffic injuries will results from alcohol consumption during this time of year. Calling in an attorney that is handling a DUI case is important to figure out your case. You could be getting a lawyer for DUI charges and they can handle everything else.
One of the most important things to remember is that you can avoid DUI through proper planning. If you are heading to a party where alcohol will be served, keep these tips in mind to help prevent DUI:
- Before any drinking begins, designate a driver who will stay sober and see that everyone has a safe ride home.
- Bring money for a cab ride or request an Uber take you home. Both means of transportation will allow you to enjoy yourself and make it home safely, without putting yourself or other drivers in harm.
- For Florida residents, AAA and Bud Light are offering a service called Tow 2 Go, which provides a safe and confidential ride home or to a safe location within a 10 mile radius. Visit their site for a holiday schedule, and to request a ride dial (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
- If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
- If you happen to see a impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement or dial *FHP (*347). Your phone call could save a life.
Remember, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle (in motion or stopped) by the driver and or the passenger is a violation of Florida law.
If you or a loved one are involved in a collision with an intoxicated driver or if you face charges related to DUI, our firm can help. Contact TJ Grimaldi at McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi & Guito, P.A. today.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
