For many, the July Fourth weekend is the official kickoff of the summer season, with family and friends gathering for parties and cookouts. Unfortunately, it is also one of the deadliest holidays when it comes to fatal drunk driving accidents. According to national statistics, From 2017 to 2021, there were almost 1,500 drivers killed in crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period. Just under 40 percent of those drivers were legally drunk.
Many people don’t realize that even just a small amount of alcohol can impact a person’s ability to drive. For example, even a blood alcohol concentration of .02 can affect someone’s ability to perform two tasks at one time – and that affects your ability to drive safely. This is referred to as “buzzed driving.”
How to Avoid Drunk Driving Crashes
For people who venture out to celebrate July 4th or any other special occasion, there are some steps to take that can help decrease your risk of being in a deadly crash. One of the best things you can do is to plan ahead. Depending on where you will be celebrating, make arrangements to stay the night. If you are going to a friend’s house for a party, see about staying the night there.
If you are going to be out drinking and will be going home, have a ride already lined up, such as a designated driver, taxi, or Uber. If you are not drinking and will be the person driving, make sure to be extra alert and vigilant of other drivers on the road. If you do see a driver that you suspect has been drinking, pull your car over and call 911 to report it.
Drunk Driving Crashes
If you are a victim of a drunk driving crash, there are certain steps you should take. If you are physically able, call 911 for police and emergency personnel. Normally, you would also get the other driver’s contact information, however, if the other driver is intoxicated, he or she may not be that cooperative. In these instances, it is okay to get that information later on from law enforcement who arrive on the scene. In the meantime, you can take down other information, such as witness information, photographs of the scene, and any other pertinent information.
Even if you do not think you have been injured, you should seek medical attention immediately. It is not uncommon for injuries sustained in car accidents to have delayed symptoms. Not only is a quick diagnosis important for your health, but it is also important for any car accident claim you may file.
Contact Our Virginia Personal Injury Law Firm
Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions a driver takes, there is always the risk that they will be involved in a crash with an intoxicated driver. Victims of drunk driving accidents should contact a skilled Virginia Beach car accident attorney to find out what legal recourse they may have against the drunk driver for their pain and loss. In addition to the financial compensation you may be entitled to for your losses, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, as well.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation and find out what your legal options may be.