Tips for Avoiding DUI Accidents During the Holidays

Nothing throws a wrench in your holiday plans like an auto accident. Unfortunately, the holidays are an incredibly common time for car crashes, especially those caused by impaired drivers. People are getting together for the holidays, indulging a bit to enjoy their time off, and perhaps overestimating their driving abilities. Combine that with poor weather in some parts of the country and drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads, accidents are almost inevitable.

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or staying close to home, make sure you do everything you can to keep your family safe and limit the risk of accidents. If you are involved in a crash regardless of your efforts to stay safe, we can help. Call Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne at 251-928-1915 to set up a meeting.

Know the Dangerous Days and Times

Impaired driving crashes can happen anywhere at any time, but there are certain times of the week when you should be even more attentive to the roads around you. Per the Alabama Department of Transportation, drunk driving crashes are fairly uncommon between 4:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.

They start to really increase by 8:00 P.M., and the most common time for impaired driving accidents is 1:00 A.M. Knowing this can help you minimize your outings between 8:00 P.M. and the morning hours. If you must be on the roads during this time, at least you know to give other drivers extra space.

The most common days for impaired driving accidents are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This often remains true during the holiday season, when people are taking time off of work and spending extra time with family and friends.

Limit Travel When Possible

While travel is an unavoidable part of the holiday season, don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk. Limit your driving to the safer hours of the day and try to combine errands into one trip with multiple stops.

Ramp Up Your Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is always recommended, but it is particularly important when you’re on the roads during the holidays. Take a few minutes to review important defensive driving tips, including:

• Always be scanning your surroundings
• Don’t depend on other drivers to protect you—always expect them to act in an unexpected way
• Leave several seconds of following distance between yourself and the car in front of you
• Don’t get stuck in a situation that there is no way out of
• Drive slightly slower than you think you need to
• Avoid distractions

Review Accident Protocols

Know what you should do if you are involved in an accident. We recommend:

• Reporting the crash to the police
• Taking photos of the crash scene
• Exchanging insurance and contact information with the other driver
• Being aware of any injuries you may have suffered
• Seeking medical care right away
• Contacting a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options

Always Stay Sober

One thing you can always count on when it comes to driving is that you can’t count on other drivers. People know that driving while impaired is an unsafe choice that puts other people at risk, but they choose to do it anyways.

While you can’t stop others from making poor choices, you can at least put yourself in a better position to protect yourself from them. Stay sober when you go out this holiday season, even if you usually only have a couple of drinks. Even small changes to your reaction time or decision-making capabilities could be disastrous if you share the road with a drunk driver.

By following these tips, we hope you’ll be able to navigate this holiday season safely and without incident. You deserve to spend the season celebrating with friends and getting ready for a new year, not dealing with injuries and legal proceedings.

Have You Been Hurt in a Crash? Call Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne

If you or someone you love is injured in a car crash, make sure you have an attorney you can trust. The team at Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne is focused on helping victims pursue the compensation they deserve. To set up a consultation call our Fairhope office at 251-928-1915, or get in touch online.