Safe Driving Tips Over the Holidays
As much as the holidays are a joyous time, they also have the potential to turn tragic. That’s because there is often a spike in traffic accidents over the season. People are drinking more and are more likely to be driving under the influence. Here’s what you can do to avoid being involved in a drunk driving accident over the holidays.
Stay Home
One of the best ways to avoid a car accident is to avoid going out. Hopefully we are all avoiding unnecessary travel to help get the COVID-19 cases under control in Colorado, but it’s always a good idea to ask whether your current trip is really necessary or not.
This should be a bigger concern in the evenings. Remember: bars have reduced hours right now. Some people try to compensate for this by drinking more liquor faster. This means that the typical hazards linked to closing time now occur during the evening when you might think about driving to the store to pick up your last gifts for loved ones.
Drive Sober
Of course, the risk of you being involved in a drunk driving accident increases dramatically when you are driving drunk. Make sure that you are sober before you get behind the wheel.
Remember: tipsy driving is drunk driving. It’s especially important to be completely sober when driving in winter weather.
Give People Distance
You should always make sure you’re giving yourself adequate distance to stop when following other drivers. Be aware of how road conditions affect your ability to stop and be especially mindful of black ice. Colorado’s warm sunny days and cold nights in the winter make the perfect conditions for black ice to form.
Also be prepared for other drivers to behave more erratically. Don’t assume you know what they’re doing, and distrust turn signals or other clues. When drivers are drunk, they might do the opposite of what they’re signaling. Base your driving on what drivers are actually doing, not what drivers should do or might do under normal conditions.
Of course, you don’t have control over how other drivers choose to follow you, and the unexpected maneuvers of drunk drivers can still take you by surprise.
Report Drunk Drivers
One way to protect yourself and others from drunk drivers is to report erratic driving when you see it. If people can’t maintain speed, drift from their lane, or make sudden, unpredictable movements, it’s a good idea to report them.
Of course, you don’t want to take your eyes off the road to make the call. Use a hands-free set up if you can, have a passenger make the call, or pull over if necessary.
Hurt by a Drunk Driver? Pushchak Law Can Help
Unfortunately, no matter what you do, you can’t completely protect yourself from drunk drivers. If you were hurt by a drunk driver, Pushchak Law Firm can help you get fair compensation for your injuries. This can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. And we don’t get paid unless you do.
Choose Pushchak Law because we put you first. Our Informed Decisions™ approach sets us apart. We take the time to listen to your needs and circumstances. Then we recommend the best course of action to achieve a fair outcome for your case.
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Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Denver and throughout Colorado.
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