Drunk Driving Accidents Increase Over the Holidays
Posted December 21st, 2015 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Criminal Defense.
We all know how busy everyone is during this time of year. Not only are we trying to finish up our holiday shopping and getting our priorities straight for the new year, but we’re also partying! Many of us are heading to an office holiday party or perhaps going to a friend’s house for a New Year’s bash. And no party is complete without a little alcohol! But be careful, now is the perfect time to get a DUI.
Did you know that one of the deadliest days of the year to drive is December 23? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 1,180 people who were killed in an auto accident during the 2013 holiday period, 30 percent of those fatalities were drunk driving accidents. In fact, according to data collected from 2009-2013, there were 3,857 people who died as a result of an auto accident involving a drunk driver. Scary numbers that make you want to stay off the roads this time of year.
As we’ve mentioned before, New Jersey’s drunk driving penalties are extremely strict and you can face prison time even if you only had a couple of drinks before getting behind the wheel. So keep these tips in mind before driving home after a Christmas party:
- Plan ahead. Make sure you have a designated driver or have the number of a taxi service that can take you home if you’ve drank too much.
- Remember that buzzed driving is still considered drunk driving. It doesn’t take a lot to get you in hot water with the law.
- If you see someone who is drunk driving, do the right thing and call the police. You could be saving someone’s life by doing so.
- If you’re the host of a party, make sure your guests have a safe way to get home. If not, suggest that they stay over or you call them a taxi.
If you get involved in an auto accident with a drunk driver, get the legal help you need. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.
