How to Stop Drunk Driving This Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us, which means there may be lots of holiday parties on your social calendar. Many people engage in binge drinking around the holidays, so it is important to keep your eyes out for dangerous behaviour.
If you are hosting a holiday party:
Offer mocktails, or other non-alcoholic beverages to give drivers other options, and take away the appeal of having a drink. Before the party begins, be aware of who is planning on driving, and keep an eye out for overindulgent behaviour. If you notice someone has had too much to drink and is not suitable for driving, have alternate options prepared such as a guest room for them to stay in, or the number for a cab service and some spare cash. Throughout the night have food and water so that guests are not drinking on empty stomachs. Overall, make it clear that drinks will be offered, but excessive drunkenness and driving under the influence will not be tolerated.
If you are a guest at a holiday party:
Decide a designated driver well before the party. Make it clear that the driver should not consume any alcohol. It is much safer for the driver to remain completely sober, as different people have different tolerances for alcohol, and driving while “buzzed” is still intoxicated driving. If you are planning on drinking, have options for yourself in case your designated driver falls through. If you know or are suspicious that your DD is intoxicated, plan to stay the night, take a cab, and do not let them drive home.
If you are on the road, either as a driver or a passenger, and you suspect a drunk driver is around it is important to report them. Keep a safe distance from the driver while following, take down the vehicles make and model, along with the license plate if possible. The signs of a potential drunk driver include:
- Making abrupt, wide, or illegal turns;
- Weaving, swerving, or drifting from their lane;
- Responding late or slowly to traffic signals;
- Inconsistent speeds;
- Braking erratically.
Helping to stop intoxicated driving as a host or guest at a party, or even as a driver on the road, is extremely important. Drunk driving threatens the life of others and should never be ignored. Do your part to reduce drivers under the influence this holiday season.
CLG Injury Law has over 35 years’ experience representing Atlantic Canadians who have suffered injuries following a motor vehicle accident. For more articles and safety tips, go to https://cantiniinjurylaw.ca/blog/ or subscribe to our newsletter.