Montgomery residents are dusting off their grills, breaking out the sparklers, flying American flags, and gearing up for the Fourth of July celebration. Independence Day is the perfect time to spend time with family and friends, but it is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year.
In 2014, the Fourth of July weekend period resulted in 164 road accident fatalities involving at least one individual with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher.
Although there are countless ways to avoid drunk-driving accidents – such as taking a rideshare or taxi, staying home, or renting a hotel room – one of the best strategies is to appoint a designated driver. If you are transporting friends or family over the holiday, keep these five tips in mind:
- Do not drink alcohol;
- Determine who you will be transporting in advance;
- Set rules for passengers;
- Be stern with passengers;
- And establish a rotating designated driver schedule.
Unfortunately, even the safest motorists can fall victim to intoxicated, distracted, and otherwise negligent drivers. If you were injured in a crash that another motorist caused, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. A Montgomery accident lawyer will evaluate your collision to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills, lost income, and noneconomic damages.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about personal-injury lawsuits in Alabama.
Here are five tips to help you become a better designated driver:
Do Not Drink Alcohol
The University of Texas reminds designated drivers not to consume any alcohol. It may be tempting to have just one drink, but one often leads to several more. Even a single drink can impair your ability to drive, which can put your life, your friends’ lives, and the lives of other road users at risk.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Determine Who You Will Be Transporting in Advance
Make sure you know who you will be transporting well before you depart. This will help you avoid overcrowding your vehicle so you can prevent the distraction of transporting a car that is packed with drunken friends.
Set Rules for Passengers
Set ground rules for your passengers to follow. They should buckle up, not be rambunctious, avoid unnecessary movements, and keep their voices reasonably low.
Make sure none of your passengers consumes alcohol while driving. It may also help to establish a single drop-off point where people can spend the night.
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Be Stern with Passengers
Do not allow your passengers to rule your vehicle. You have a responsibility to get them home safely, so you must enforce the rules you set.
Establish a Rotating Designated Driver Schedule
Establish a fair designated driver schedule that rotates among your friends. This will ensure that the driver knows in advance that he or she will be driving, and also has the opportunity to celebrate on other nights.
If you were injured by a negligent driver in Alabama, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. A Montgomery accident attorney can help you pursue the maximum compensation and avoid mistakes such as providing a recorded statement to insurance adjusters. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
