The Law Offices of Chaikin and Sherman, P.C.
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Auto Accident Lawyers | Drunk Driving & the Holidays
Maryland, Virginia, & Washington, D.C.
The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends typically bringing with them happiness, thanksgiving, and celebration. However, the holidays also bring with them an increase in drunk driving car accidents.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, from 2001 to 2005, an average of 45 people died per day during the Christmas season as a result of drunk driving accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation also reported that during the same period, 54 people were killed per day due to accidents involving alcohol over the New Years holiday.
Drinking and driving is a dangerous combination and results in catastrophic accidents all year round. During the end of December, however, there is a surge in the amount of alcohol-related accidents every year. Before topping off that beverage, drivers should consider the following statistics released by Mothers Against Drunk Driving:
- Three in every ten Americans will be involved in an accident involving alcohol in their lives
- A drunk driver takes someone life every 40 minutes in the United States
- In 2006, over 300 children under the age of 14 were killed in drunk driving accidents
- In 2003, there were 679 drunk driving related deaths in D.C., Maryland and Virginia combined
- In 2005, 36% of all traffic fatalities in the District of Columbia were attributed to drunken driving
In order to combat the rise in alcohol-related accidents in the area, Washington, D.C. employs what is referred to as "SoberRide." SoberRide will be available from 10:00 p.m. to 6 a.m. December 12, 2008 through January 1, 2009 and will provide any caller a free ride home for up to a $50 taxi fare. In addition, Washington, D.C. sets up numerous checkpoints throughout the area.
The holidays are a time to relax and have fun with our family and friends, and drunk driving is not a way to spend them. Drinking and driving risks your own life, as well as the lives of the other drivers on the road and pedestrians. So, before you raise that next glass this holiday season, remember the devastating effects drinking and driving has every day. Designate a driver before you go out, or be sure to remember the other options available to you before getting behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of drunk driving you may be entitled to compensation under personal injury laws. To find out more contact the experienced Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia auto accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today.
