Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents across the United States so the crackdown on driving under the influence is warranted, especially this time of the year.
Before you take your first drink at your New Year’s Eve party this weekend, have a plan in place on how you are getting home. Our Fort Pierce car accident attorneys would all agree, it’s a bad move to drink and drive this weekend with enhanced patrolling and increased check points.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration using the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported that in 2009, there were a total of 156 fatalities from crashes involving a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Florida, ranked third among all states in fatalities, reported a total of 17 on these two holidays alone when blood alcohol was tested and recorded over the legal limit.
Earlier this month, US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, offered a new strategy to help minimize drunk driving this holiday season. The NHTSA proposes a No Refusal strategy that numerous states are using to cut down drinking and driving. The premise is that judges will remain on call to issue warrants immediately when police officials call and need a blood test due to the fact that the DUI suspect refused a breathalyzer test. Florida drivers refuse breathalyzer tests 40% of the time which is third behind New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Florida is one of a handful of states utilizing the “No Refusal” plan in hopes of getting more drunk drivers off the streets quicker to keep the roadways safer for everyone else.
If you are hosting a New Year’s Eve party – don’t play a role in irresponsible behavior. The following are things you can do to make sure your guests get home safely:
-Have a key box at the door that keys get dropped into when guest arrives.
-Have plenty of soda and water available all evening located throughout the house so it’s available to everyone at all times.
-Refrain from playing games that involve excessive alcohol consumption.
-Prepare for guests to stay over by having plenty of bedding available to make up beds or sleeping areas in each room if needed.
-If someone is showing signs of intoxication, do not allow them to leave unless they are being driven home.
The attorneys at Freeman & Mallard would like to wish you a safe and Happy New Year. If you or someone you know have been injured in a car accident in West Palm Beach, Margate, Port St. Lucie, or the sounding areas call 800-529-2368 for a free consultation.