Holiday Travel: Safety First for the Fourth | DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Despite the high gas prices this year, many are planning to drive out of town for the holiday weekend. However, with driving come the risks of drunk driving, unrested drivers, and other dangerous road conditions. To help reduce these risks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has issued a “July 4th Planner 2008.”

The NHTSA Planner is comprised of two sets of programs, “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” and “Don’t Let This Fourth of July Blow Up In Your Face.”

Facts to keep in mind when making Fourth of July plans:

• In 2006, 27% of all drivers in traffic related crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher (illegal limit)
• In 2006, there were 659 traffic related fatalities, 37% of which involved a driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher

Some suggestions: designate a sober driver AND give them your keys, don’t mix drinking and driving, plan a safe way home before the festivities begin, if drunk call a sober friend or taxi or use public transportation, research your community’s Sober Rides program, contact local police if you see a drunk driver, and don’t let friends drive drunk.

An additional resource is Stop Impaired Driving for other tips such as State Highway Safety Reports, Impaired Driving Guidebook, and the 2008 National Crackdown Program.

Aside from these resources, the best idea might be to avoid the roads at night when drunk and tired driving is more likely.  If you must use the roads, plan ahead and be alert so you can enjoy the Fourth worry-free!

For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at (202) 463-3030.