As families embrace their holiday traditions, one holiday habit puts everyone at risk: holiday drinking and driving.  With more and more people on the roads commuting to parties, shopping, and other festivities, it’s common sense to expect that the number of traffic accidents would increase. Add inebriation to the mix, and it’s a real problem.

Consequences of Drunk Driving 

In addition to the obvious risks of accidents involving property damage, personal injuries, or worse, a fatality, the financial and legal implications of driving while under the influence of alcohol are quite serious. Count on about $10,000 in fines and fees, on top of additional penalties that might include mandatory education classes, drivers’ license suspension, an ignition interlock device, and even incarceration.

Of course the most horrendous outcomes of drunk driving occur when innocent people suffer serious injuries or death as the result of an inebriated individual driving recklessly. Throughout the year, about one-third of fatal incidents are related to alcohol consumption in Maryland—with more than 150 such events occurring in 2022 alone. These kinds of collisions are totally preventable, and the ripple effects impact many facets of a family, community, and society at large. Consider the emotional toll, the productivity lost, the dollar cost, and the long-term consequences associated with any serious injury or death, and the significance of drunk driving becomes very clear. 

Taking Steps for Safety 

One thing everyone can do to improve safety is to add a little more time for travel. With congested roadways and perilous weather conditions, your commute will take longer. Staying calm and taking your time is one important thing you can do to alleviate tension and minimize the possibility of an accident. Another important step: buckle up, and make sure everyone else in the vehicle is safe and snug. And of course, if you intend to consume alcohol at your destination, figure out a safe way to get home: have a designated driver, call a ride share, or make plans to stay over. Whatever you do, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle, and don’t allow anyone else to do so, either.

When it’s the Other Driver 

You may be doing everything right, with no thought whatsoever of getting behind the wheel after drinking. But that won’t necessarily keep you safe if others fail to make the same decision.  If you or a loved one experience severe injuries or death, you may be entitled to damages to address your losses.  These funds could be used to address medical bills, lost current and future wages, and more. To discuss the possibilities, schedule a confidential consultation with the experienced Baltimore personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Hasson D. Barns today.

Source:

wboc.com/archive/drunk-driving-rises-during-the-holidays/article_59bb7a8d-959f-5e27-bd49-66cdd6f782d9.html