Simple Ways to Avoid Driving Drunk over Christmas and New Years

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it can also bring risks if precautions aren’t taken. With Christmas and New Year’s Eve on the horizon, countless gatherings will feature laughter, good company, and perhaps a festive drink or two. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, a single moment of poor judgment can lead to devastating consequences. Drunk driving is entirely preventable, and by making a few simple choices, you can ensure that your holiday memories are filled with happiness, not regret.

At Mintz Law Firm, we’ve represented many individuals affected by drunk driving accidents in Colorado, and we understand the devastating consequences these incidents can have. With over 35 years of experience, we’re dedicated to supporting safer communities and helping clients navigate the aftermath of such tragic events.

Preparing for a Safe Night Out

Before heading out to celebrate New Year’s Eve, it’s essential to prepare for a safe night out. Here are some tips to help you avoid drunk driving and ensure a safe and enjoyable evening:

• Plan Ahead: Designate a sober driver or arrange for alternative transportation, such as a taxi or ride-sharing service, before you start drinking. This ensures you have a safe way to get home without the risk of driving drunk.
• Know Your Limits: Be aware of how much alcohol you can safely consume and stick to your limits. Understanding how much alcohol your body can handle helps in preventing alcohol impairment.
• Eat Before You Drink: Having a meal before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your system, reducing the risk of becoming overly intoxicated.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the night to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration, which can exacerbate the effects of alcohol.
• Keep an Eye on Your Drinks: Make sure you keep track of how many drinks you’ve had and avoid leaving your drink unattended. This helps in monitoring your alcohol intake and ensures your drink remains safe.

Mintz Law Firm hopes your holidays go off without a hitch. We want everyone to get home safe and sound, and perhaps these tips that we’ve laid out will help. Happy holidays!

Understanding the Risks of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences. Here are some facts about the risks of drunk driving:

• Leading Cause of Traffic Fatalities: Drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities, accounting for nearly half of all traffic deaths on New Year’s Eve. The holiday season sees a significant spike in drunk driving incidents.
• Increased Risk of Fatal Crashes: Drunk drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, with a 25% increase in drunk driving crashes during the holiday season. Alcohol impairment drastically reduces reaction times and decision-making abilities.
• Serious Injury or Death: Drunk driving can result in serious injury or death, not only for the driver but also for passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. The consequences of a drunk driving accident can be life-altering.
• Legal Consequences: Drunk driving can also lead to legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. The legal repercussions can be severe and long-lasting.
• Long-Term Effects: Drunk driving can have long-term effects on your life, including increased insurance rates, loss of employment opportunities, and damage to your reputation. The impact of a drunk driving incident can extend far beyond the immediate aftermath.

Understanding the full scope of risks associated with drunk driving highlights the importance of making responsible choices. By avoiding impaired driving, you protect not only yourself but also everyone sharing the road.

Simple Ways to Avoid Driving Drunk over the Holiday Season

From now through New Year’s Day, millions upon millions of people will be partaking in all types of celebrations with family and friends. To avoid drunk driving accidents, it is crucial to plan ahead and make responsible choices. Many of these festivities (especially New Year’s Eve) will include the drinking of alcohol, and while most of us will drink and drive responsibly, there will be those who have a little too much to drink and decide to get behind the wheel of a car.

These days, more than ever, though, there is absolutely no reason for you to become a statistic. To do our part in making sure everyone gets home in one piece, we’ve compiled a few simple tips for you to follow to keep you and your loved ones safe and sound through the holidays.

Understand How Alcohol Affects You

Millions of people love the effects of alcohol. It loosens you up, relaxes you, increases sociability, and makes you more confident. When ingested responsibly, it can be part of a fun night. The problem is that the increase in confidence can sometimes make you think you’re okay to drive when you’re not. Some people are more susceptible than others in this specific regard, so it’s important to understand how alcohol personally affects you.

Know Your Limit

This sounds simple enough, but most people who drink alcohol have a story or two about how they drank too much and the embarrassing consequences of overindulging. Although the effect of alcohol can vary depending on factors like how much you ate beforehand, the type of alcohol you drank, and how fast you drank it, most of us know our basic limit depending on what we’re drinking. If you don’t feel as if you can trust your own judgment, get a sober buddy to watch you and make sure you don’t go overboard.

Have a Designated Driver

Although millions of people drink over the holidays, even if it’s just a little eggnog, many don’t. While you may think that these friends or family members won’t want to be around a bunch of drunk people, the opposite is typically true. These people DO want to be invited to the same festivities, and, just as importantly, they want to make sure you get home to your loved ones without a hitch. If you feel guilty about “dragging someone along,” then pool your money with others and buy the designated driver a special gift or take them out to an expensive dinner.

Call Uber or Lyft

Although many people like to joke about how “there’s an app for that” when it comes to everyday activities, the simple fact is that companies like Uber and Lyft not only provide us with the means of convenient travel at all hours of the day and night but also have the potential to keep us from getting into an accident when we really shouldn’t be driving. This is never more evident than when you or a friend need to get home after having one too many celebratory drinks. The holidays are a perfect time to exercise this technology.

Hosting a Safe Party

If you’re hosting a party on New Year’s Eve, it’s essential to take steps to prevent drunk driving. Here are some tips for hosting a safe party:

• Serve Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, such as mocktails, soda, and juice, to give guests an alternative to alcohol. This helps in reducing overall alcohol consumption.
• Designate a Sober Driver: Encourage guests to designate a sober driver or arrange for alternative transportation before they start drinking. Ensuring everyone has a safe way to get home is crucial in preventing drunk driving incidents.
• Monitor Alcohol Consumption: Keep an eye on how much alcohol your guests are consuming and intervene if you notice anyone who appears to be impaired. Responsible hosting includes looking out for the well-being of your guests.
• Provide a Safe Place to Stay: Offer guests a safe place to stay overnight if they are unable to drive home safely. This can be a lifesaver for those who have had too much to drink.
• Have a Plan for Impaired Drivers: Have a plan in place for dealing with impaired drivers, such as calling a taxi or ride-sharing service. Ensuring impaired drivers do not get behind the wheel is essential in avoiding drunk driving accidents.

By taking proactive steps to promote safety, you can ensure your celebration is enjoyable for everyone while minimizing the risks of drunk driving. Hosting responsibly creates a safer environment for your guests and helps protect lives.

Additional Tips for Staying Safe

Here are some additional tips for staying safe on New Year’s Eve:

• Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for impaired drivers. Staying vigilant can help you avoid potential dangers on the road.
• Use a Ride-Sharing Service: Consider using a ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, to get home safely. These services are a convenient and safe alternative to driving drunk.
• Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions while driving, such as using your phone or eating. Staying focused on the road is crucial for safe driving.
• Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car: Keep an emergency kit in your car, including items such as a first aid kit, flashlight, and jumper cables. Being prepared for emergencies can make a significant difference in a crisis.
• Stay Informed: Stay informed about road conditions and weather forecasts to plan your route accordingly. Knowing what to expect on the road can help you avoid dangerous situations.

Taking simple yet thoughtful precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve. Prioritizing safety helps protect not only yourself but also those around you.

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

If you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to know what to do. Here are some steps to take:

• Call 911: Call 911 immediately to report the accident and any injuries. Prompt medical attention is crucial in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles and any visible injuries. This documentation can be vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• Exchange Information: Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident, including names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Having accurate information is essential for resolving the situation.
• Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately if you or anyone else is injured. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a professional.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Timely reporting can help expedite the claims process.
• Consider Consulting with an Attorney: Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in drunk driving accidents to help you navigate the legal process. Legal expertise can be invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected.

By following these tips and being mindful of the risks, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for yourself and your loved ones. Happy holidays!

Why Choose Mintz Law Firm After a Drunk Driving Accident?

At Mintz Law Firm, we understand the profound impact drunk driving accidents can have on individuals and families. With over 35 years of experience serving Colorado, we’ve dedicated ourselves to advocating for those affected by these preventable tragedies. Our compassionate and personalized approach ensures that you’re treated as more than just a case—we take the time to understand your unique needs and work diligently to secure the best possible outcome.

When you work with us, you’ll benefit from our deep knowledge of personal injury law and our commitment to your well-being. From handling complex insurance claims to navigating legal challenges, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, reach out to us for support. Call us today at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form.