People often use the holiday season to spend time with family and catch up with old friends. Sadly, some also use it as an excuse to binge drink.
Although it is perfectly fine to have a few drinks with friends whom you haven’t seen all year, it is never okay to get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., researchers estimate that 32 percent of fatal motor vehicle collisions involve impairment.
In fact, drunk driving is so prevalent that two out of three people will be in a crash involving a drunk driver at some point in their lifetime. Most of these collisions will not result in fatalities, but individuals who survive the impacts will likely sustain serious injuries.
If you were hurt in a drunk driving collision, contact the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. With 40 years of experience as a practicing attorney, George R. Fusner Jr. has the knowledge and skillset required to help you pursue the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Call 615-251-0005 or 800-427-8960 to schedule a free case evaluation with an car wreck lawyer in Nashville.
Read on to learn how you can prevent your friends from driving while impaired over the holidays:
- Stock up While Sober
If you are planning on hosting a holiday party or attending a gathering at someone’s house, make sure you stock up on alcohol while still sober. If the party runs out of liquor or beer, someone may feel inclined to go pick up some more despite having already started drinking for the evening.
- Make Sure Everyone Has Downloaded Uber
It is wise to download a ridesharing app before actually needing one because you will be more likely to use it if you have already set it up on your smartphone. If any of your friends want to go home after the party, encourage them to plan ahead by downloading Uber or Lyft.
- Offer to Be Designated Driver
Staying sober and shuttling your friends around may not seem like as much fun as toasting in the New Year, but it’s far better than the alternative, which is worrying about someone getting into a drunk driving collision. If you go out with the same group of friends often, you can even suggest starting a rotation, where you all take turns acting as the designated driver.
- Provide Sleeping Arrangements
If you’re hosting the holiday party this year, make sure you can provide sleeping arrangements for everyone who wants to spend the night. Remember: The arrangements do not have to be luxurious. Chances are your couch or an air mattress will be more than adequate for those who should not drive.
Unfortunately, even if you take care of your friends and prevent them from driving while impaired, you have no control over other motorists. If you were hurt in a drunk driving collision, contact the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr.
Call 800-427-8960 to schedule a free consultation with an accident attorney in Nashville. You can learn more about drunk driving claims in Tennessee by visiting the USAttorneys website.
