This December, as many as 3,000 people could die in crashes on U.S. roads. Around one-fourth of these fatal crashes will involve alcohol. Though the holiday season is supposed to be the time of year that we gather with loved ones and appreciate the things we have, it’s sadly also a season where people get behind the wheel after drinking.
The good news is that we have the chance to reclaim the holiday season, but it’s up to us to make it happen. What can we do to make our roads safer in 2019?
At the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant, we believe in a three-pronged approach to ridding our streets of impaired drivers.
First, we need to raise public awareness and give people the information they need to address the problem.
Second, we can make sure we aren’t contributing to the number of drunk drivers on our roads.
Third, we can hold intoxicated motorists responsible for the harm they cause others.
By holding drunk drivers accountable and preventing people from drinking and driving to begin with, we believe that we can make progress. Let’s look more closely at each of these three strategies…
Raising Awareness of Drunk Driving During the Holidays
Safety awareness campaigns have been helping curb drunk driving for decades in the U.S. It’s tempting to think that these efforts are so common that they have little impact, yet we must remember that whenever we see a billboard or television ad warning about the dangers of drunk driving, we should take the message to heart.
the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant is joining the efforts of KIAH-TV, the Television Bureau of Advertising, the Ad Council, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to prevent drunk drivers. “Project: Roadblock” draws the public’s attention to the dangers of impaired driving and gives us all the opportunity to start the conversation with friends and family members.
You also have the power to get the message out. We encourage you to spread the word on social media. Talk with your loved ones about the importance of designated drivers. If we all take these efforts seriously, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Reducing the Number of Drunk Drivers on Our Roads This Holiday Season
The actions we take in our personal lives can have a dramatic impact on the safety of our roads. First, we can make sure that anytime we go out to meet up with friends or family, we arrange transportation for anyone who is drinking. Maybe you can be the designated driver, or establish a system where that role alternates between those in your social circle every time you go to a holiday party.
When hosting or contributing to a holiday gathering, we can take several steps to make sure no one leaves the party intoxicated and gets behind the wheel of their vehicle.
Offer plenty of food to partygoers. Food helps soak up alcohol and curbs drinking. Offer your guests plenty of delicious holiday food to deter excessive drinking.
Serve non-alcoholic beverages to guests. Great drinks don’t always have alcohol in them. From holiday drinks like boiled custard or eggnog to non-alcoholic cocktails, serve up some alternatives to your guests.
Collect the keys of anyone who will be drinking. Designate someone to collect the keys of anyone who will be drinking. This establishes accountability and rids your guests of any temptation to drive after drinking.
Arrange transportation through designated drivers or other services. Ask a few friends to step up and take the role of designated drivers for your guests. Taxi cabs and rideshare services are other great options to make sure your attendees have a safe ride home.
Stop serving drinks well before the party ends. By cutting off your guests at least a couple of hours before the party ends, you’ll be reducing the chances of anyone driving when they are under the influence.
Make space available for guests to stay at your place. If possible, find spaces where your guests can crash with you. Couches, guest rooms, or inflatable mattresses make great sleeping spots for anyone that has been drinking alcohol.
By taking ownership of these responsibilities, you can make sure that your party is the safest holiday party possible.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable for Their Actions
There are two ways to hold drunk drivers accountable. The first is through the criminal justice system. The second is through civil legal actions.
The Role of Law Enforcement
By patrolling our streets and setting up roadblocks, police officers play an invaluable role in stopping intoxicated drivers before they cause anyone harm. If a driver does cause a crash with another vehicle, they should be held accountable through our criminal justice system.
The Role of Those Injured by Drunk Drivers
Though our criminal justice system holds people responsible through penalties and fines, civil court is where injured people turn to hold drunk drivers responsible for the actual costs of their actions. By filing a personal injury claim against a drunk driver, you can be sure that you aren’t paying the price for someone else’s mistakes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in or around Houston, then you should contact the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant to schedule a free consultation. When an impaired driver causes you harm, you deserve compensation for the many costs you face, including medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering.
the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant is Taking a Stand Against Drunk Drivers
Our firm has handled many drunk driving accident cases, and we know how important these claims are for those that have been hurt by an impaired motorist. Let us put our skill and experience to work on your behalf. Terry Bryant is a Board Certified personal injury trial lawyer (by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization) and a former judge in Texas. He and his handpicked staff are ready to get you the payment you are entitled to.
We offer free case evaluations to help you better understand your legal options. Contact the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant today to get started.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
