Tips For Safe Driving This Holiday Season

As the holidays are upon us, it remains important that we protect our loved ones and others on the roadways. Whether it is holiday festivities, the stress of too many visitors, or Falcons Football celebrations, it is necessary to be on the lookout for others that might have enjoyed a few too many. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2001 and 2005 the daily number of fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver rose by 25% during Christmas, and by 50% over the New Year. That’s a lot of egg nog.

No one wants to prevent you from having a good time. The laws of Georgia are aimed at limiting the risks to those with whom we share the road. A first DUI in Georgia can result in 24 hours to up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000.00, and one year suspended license. This does not take in to account the liability you take on in the event that you injure someone else.

Here are a few tips for staying safe on the roadways this holiday season:

• Don’t drink and drive. This one may be obvious, but according to the CDC, there are more than 300,000 incidents of alcohol impaired driving every day in America. With Lyft and Uber ready to pick you up with the touch of a button, it is not worth the risks.
• Keep an eye out on the roadway. Adopt safe driving practices at all times, and they will keep you safer during the holidays. Put down your phone. Slow down as you approach intersections. Leave enough distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. Always wear your seatbelt.
• Advise impaired friends of their options. Offer them a room or your couch. Offer to get them a taxi ride home or to a MARTA station. Tell them it’s because you care for their well-being. Maybe next time, you will be the recipient.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, we can help.

Have a safe and happy holiday, from The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C..