December Highlights National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
December marks National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a time to confront the risks of impaired driving and its devastating consequences. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve bring joy and celebration but also an alarming spike in impaired driving crashes. Choosing a safe ride during these high-risk periods can mean the difference between life and tragedy.
Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents continue to claim thousands of lives every year. It only takes a drink or two to cloud a driver's judgment, slow reaction times, and impair motor skills. These factors make impaired driving a dangerous game. Over the last few decades, lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit to 0.08 and raising the drinking age to 21 have made a difference. However, the fight is far from over.
What are the dangers of impaired driving?
Today, alcohol remains a leading factor in traffic fatalities, accounting for more than 13,000 deaths annually across the United States. Despite understanding the dangers, many still take unnecessary risks. In fact, one in eight drivers admits to getting behind the wheel after consuming enough alcohol to approach or exceed the legal limit. In 2022, Florida had 5,262 alcohol-confirmed crashes, of which 388 were fatal, and 239 caused incapacitating injuries.
Alcohol impairs important abilities needed for safe driving. Even at a BAC of .02, drivers can experience some decline in visual tracking and multitasking. At this level, drivers are also at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, especially late at night. At a BAC of .05, coordination further weakens, and object tracking and emergency response time slows down. This range is considered "buzzed driving." While it's technically "legal," it's still impaired driving and the cause of thousands of serious accidents every year.
When someone reaches a BAC of .08, they experience a major decline in speech, vision, reaction time, memory, speed control, danger detection, and decision-making. Impairment further becomes pronounced at BACs of .10 and .15.
How can impaired driving collisions be prevented this holiday season?
Drunk driving isn't an accident; it's a choice. With education, stricter laws, and personal accountability, these tragedies can be prevented. If you drink, plan ahead. Use a rideshare, call a sober friend, or stay where you are. It's a small decision that saves lives. Hosting a party? Make sure every guest leaves with a sober driver. Also, offer friends and family the option to spend the night and provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
While following these safety practices can help promote safety on the road, you can't always control or predict the actions of other drivers. If you spot someone driving erratically or suspect impairment, call local law enforcement or Florida Highway Patrol. Speaking up could save lives, including your own.
Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer if you've been injured
While preventive measures and awareness campaigns can help reduce the risk of drunk driving accidents, the unfortunate reality is that some drivers will still make reckless decisions this holiday season. When those choices lead to serious injuries or death, the consequences for victims and their families can be devastating. Knowing your rights and having the right legal support is critical if you've been injured by an impaired driver.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a drunk driver in Florida, you deserve justice and financial compensation for your losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies often prioritize protecting their bottom line over fairly compensating accident victims. They may offer low settlements or dispute the severity of your injuries. Having an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in holding the at-fault driver accountable and ensuring the insurance company pays what you truly deserve.
The Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. has years of experience fighting for drunk driving car accident victims in Central Florida. Our case results demonstrate how we don't back down when negotiating with insurance companies. For instance, in one case, we recovered $610,000 for a client who sustained serious injuries in a DUI crash.
During your free consultation, we'll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and outline the best steps to protect your rights. Whether you visit one of our four Central Florida offices or need us to come to you, we can make this process as convenient and stress-free as possible.
Contact us online or call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We have offices in Tavares, Inverness, Clermont, and The Villages.
"I was grateful for the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller and the way my case was handled... They were very professional and courteous to me." - CH, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
