Fireworks, delicious food, kissing at midnight – there are plenty of reasons why New Year’s Eve is one of the most enjoyable nights of the year. Unfortunately, that fun coincides with a spike in drunk-driving accidents.
January 1st was the second-deadliest day on U.S. roads between 2010 to 2014, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Over that period, an average of 118 people died in traffic accidents on New Year’s Day, and 62 percent of those fatalities involved alcohol.
If you are hurt by a drunk or negligent driver over the New Year’s holiday, contact the The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC The at-fault motorist may be liable for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
An accident attorney in Albuquerque will help you avoid mistakes during the claims process such as unknowingly admitting fault, overlooking certain damages or accepting a low settlement. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free initial consultation.
How to Stop a Loved One from Driving Drunk on New Year’s Eve
Many people who would never drive under the influence choose to abandon their resolve on drinking holidays such as New Year’s. Unfortunately, alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to anticipate dangerous situations, alertness and coordination, thus increasing the risk of crashing. In fact, alcohol contributed to nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If your friend or family member attempts to drive after drinking alcohol, it is critical that you intervene. This isn’t always easy, but taking action could save your loved one’s life, as well as the lives of other road users by preventing drunk driver accidents.
If you are in this situation on New Year’s Eve, Mothers Against Drunk Driving offers these eight tips:
- Take a non-confrontational approach;
- Recommend alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or rideshare service;
- Keep in mind that the person with whom you are speaking to is alcohol-impaired, so explain the situation carefully;
- Remind your loved one that you are only looking out for his or her best interests;
- If you are hosting a party, recommend that the person stays the night;
- If your loved one still insists on driving, ask a friend to help you intervene;
- Take the person’s car keys if he or she insists on driving; and
- If all else fails, call the police. Facing DWI charges is a lot better than dying or killing another person.
If you are injured by a drunk driver over New Year’s Eve, contact a New Mexico drunk driving accident attorney from The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC. With a combined 32 years in legal practice, our team has the knowledge and resources to help you recover the maximum compensation. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free initial consultation with an accident attorney in Albuquerque.