Cinco de Mayo celebrations are fun for everyone, but with celebration comes the dangers of drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 38% of all motor vehicle fatalities that occurred each year around May 5th involved impaired drivers or motorcycle operators with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 and above.
On alcohol-intensive holidays like Cinco De Mayo and St. Patrick’s Day, statistics show that a person is killed every 51 minutes as a result of a drunk driving crash. More people tend to drink on Cinco de Mayo than they do on St. Patrick’s Day or Super Bowl Sunday, therefore, planning ahead and taking steps to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road is vital.
Here is what you can do to have a stress free fiesta:
Use Rideshare
If you know you will be drinking, plan your safe ride home before you start the party. Designate a sober driver ahead of time or utilize rideshare.
Buckle Up
Even if you're responsible in designating a driver or using rideshare, it's still important to take further precautions while riding in a vehicle. As always, you should use your seat belt. In the event of a crash, this is your best defense.
Take The Keys
If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
Allow Your Friends To Stay
If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests have a place to stay, or leave with a sober driver.
Pay Attention
If you're going out, pay attention to your surroundings to keep yourself safe. If you are walking to your destination, watch where you're going and use crosswalks. Celebrations like this can be equally as dangerous for pedestrians, especially in crowded area.
See Something? Say Something
If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.
No matter how you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it's necessary to follow certain safety tips to ensure that everyone gets home safely. One of the most important things to remember is that buzzed driving is drunk driving. All too often, people seem to think that because they're only buzzed, they are okay to drive. WRONG! If you have been drinking, you should never get behind the wheel. You aren't only putting yourself in danger, but also your passengers and others on the road. If you are the designated driver, you need to take that role seriously. The holiday is meant to be a fun weekend celebration, but the festivities can be ruined with one wrong decision.
If you've been involved in an accident with a drunk driver or injured as a pedestrian, it is wise to consult the advice of an attorney. Our team at Kaufman Law is prepared to discuss your potential case and determine your next best steps. Contact us today.
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