Did you know that almost 30% of the deadly traffic crashes in 2016 involved a drunk driver? It's estimated that a person dies every 50 minutes from a drunk-driving collision in the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one million drivers were arrested in 2016 for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Of course, there are ways to avoid injuries, deaths, and arrests in the first place. Here are several ways to prevent drunk driving.
Bring a designated driver
Before you go out, plan ahead to drink responsibly. Ask a friend to be the designated driver. This will ensure everyone has fun and stays safe. Make plans to switch off with them next time to return the favor.
Check your status
Some bars will offer breathalyzer tests to their customers. This isn't meant to be a party trick to see who can trigger the highest number. This is a legitimate way to understand your current status and should influence your decision about whether to drive.
Know your limit
Before you start drinking, you should know how many drinks is enough to make you feel intoxicated. You should also understand how you might feel as your blood alcohol level increases.
Call a rideshare/taxi
Before you start drinking, download a rideshare app and make sure your information is updated. If you did drive and you exceeded your limit, try to get a sober friend to drive your vehicle home, or come back in the morning. It's a much better alternative than spending the night in jail or, much worse, causing an injury or death.
Never get in the car with someone who is intoxicated
If a friend offers to give you a ride home, verify that they are sober enough to do so. It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you notice a friend might be on the verge of making a bad decision, encourage them to come with you. They will thank you later for saving them and others on the road.
As a sober driver, you can also call the police to report anyone you feel is driving while intoxicated. Signs of intoxication include swerving, driving too close to other vehicles or objects, making abrupt decisions without signaling, driving on the wrong side of the road, or braking unpredictably.
Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC works hard to ensure you are reimbursed for the expenses you have following a drunk-driving crash, even if the driver at fault doesn't have enough insurance coverage to help you.
If you're ever struck by a drunk driver, the experienced lawyers at Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC are available 24/7 to hear your case. If you need legal advice, you can contact them at 877-978-1740 or www.thomasjhenrylaw.com for a free consultation.
