Drunk driving is a severe problem that affects the safety of all road users. The cost to the US economy from drunk-driving deaths is a staggering $123.3 billion. An estimated 37 people die every day in the United States in alcohol-related crashes, and in 2021, NHTSA data reveals that 13,384 people died in alcohol-related crashes.
For example, in Kentucky, this has been a severe issue. In 2021, the Lexington Police Department documented roughly 420 accidents involving alcohol impairment within Lexington. Among these incidents, 16 fatalities and 124 injuries were reported.
Protecting your family from drunk drivers requires vigilance, planning, and intelligent choices. Brian Vines, an experienced Lexington car accident lawyer, shares five ways to help protect your family from intoxicated motorists.
Choose Not to Drink and Drive
One survey found that 1.2% of adults drove while drunk during 30 days in 2020. The best way to protect others from drunk driving is to choose not to drive while impaired yourself. If you are planning to drink alcohol, make arrangements for a designated driver, rideshare service, or taxi to transport you. Never get behind the wheel if you have had too much to drink. Lead by example and make the responsible decision for the safety of your family and others on the road.
Avoid Roads at High-Risk Times
Data shows that drunk driving crashes most often occur late at night, especially after bars close for the evening. Early mornings after all-night parties are another high-risk time. On New Year’s Eve, DUIs are 129% higher than average, with July 4th a close second.
Try to avoid being on the roads during these high-risk times whenever possible. Pay attention to times when drunk driving spikes in your area and adjust family travel to avoid these hot spots.
Pick Up The Car Keys from Impaired Friends
Discreetly take their keys if you are at a party or restaurant and notice a friend drinking too much to drive. Offer to call them a cab or arrange another way for them to get home safely. This prevents them from making the irresponsible choice to drive drunk and risk harming their family or others. Make picking up keys a habit among your friend group to promote safety.
Report Suspected Drunk Drivers
If you spot a driver looking drunk while on the road, report them immediately. Call 911 and provide the license plate, location, and description of the vehicle. Also, share observed behaviors like swerving, tailgating, or blasting music. Law enforcement can then locate the driver and conduct a sobriety check, potentially preventing a deadly crash before it happens.
Educate Your Teens on Dangers of Drinking and Driving
Sit down with your teenage children and have an open conversation about the severe dangers of riding with an impaired driver. Let them know they should never hesitate to call you for a ride home if stranded at a party where drinking is occurring. Make it clear they will not get in trouble for making the smart choice. Provide alternatives like paying for a cab ride home. Your teaching could prevent a fatal mistake.
Preventing drunk driving requires commitment from all community members. By making responsible choices, planning to avoid high-risk times, looking out for others, reporting concerns, and educating teens, we can all help protect our families from the threat of intoxicated drivers. Put these five tips into action daily and lead by example.
