Three Things You Can Do To Stay Safe Behind The Wheel In The Month Of December

We’ve already talked about it, December has been identified by the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month.  It is clear from the focus of national organizations and the stepped up police presence on our roads here in Connecticut that there is a tremendous amount of importance put on safety around the month of December.  The simple fact is that there are more New Haven auto accident fatalities in the month of December then in any other month on our roads and therefore it is important to highlight the reasons that this is happening.

In a typical month the number of auto accident fatalities that are a result of impaired driving are about 33% each month, in December that number spikes to 50%.  So, over half of all deaths that occur in the month of December on our roads are a result of someone either drinking too much and getting behind the wheel or someone smoking or taking pills and getting behind the wheel and causing an accident.

It is important that you know as you are out celebrating the holidays with friends and families some ways you can keep yourself safe on the roads and not become a number on a website like this.

1. Skip drinking and doing drugs all together.  We know that there is a certain element of celebrating that you will lose if you skip these things, but it is the absolute #1 safest thing you can do if you’re planning on driving during the month of December.
2. Designate a driver.  If you cannot avoid drinking or doing drugs entirely then your next best bet is to avoid driving entirely and therefore you will need to designate a driver.  This should be done BEFORE you go out and the person who is designated needs to abstain from drinking or doing drugs entirely for the whole night.  If you don’t have anyone who is willing to be the designated driver then you should make a plan before you go out to Uber to and from your destination.
3. Don’t drive late at night.  If you’ve managed to stay sober or designate a driver you’ve done a huge part of the work, but the last part is to not put yourself on the road with others who may have been out partying and not followed these safety tips.  If you can go home early or stay overnight to avoid driving on the roads into the late night and early morning hours of the next day, you should do that.

Whether you’re going to visit with family or friends.  Whether you’re headed to a restaurant/bar or a private home.  Making sure you take these safety precautions will help keep you safe and out of a New Haven auto accident.  While drinking and doing drugs may be a part of your celebration, they don’t need to be a part of your downfall when the celebration is over.

From all of us here at Loricco Law Firm we wish you a safe and healthy holiday season.