Safety Tips: Driving During the Holidays

The holidays are primarily for spending some memorable moments with family and friends. For millions of Americans, this season is synonymous with a notable rise in alcohol consumption. People spend the holiday season (especially Christmas and New Year celebrations) having fun and drinking cocktails, wines, and brews. 

The fact that December is the designated National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month is not a coincidence. During the holiday season, millions of Americans drive after consuming alcohol. “You do not have to be drunk to be in danger on the road during the holidays. So, be careful, especially when driving at night during the holiday season,” says attorney David Benowitz of Platinum Criminal Defense Law Firm

Safety Measures for the Holidays

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asserts that staying conscious and preparing ahead are the only ways to ensure safe driving. So, if you are going out to have a fun time or celebrate the holiday, consider the following safety measures:

1. If you feel that you may consume too much alcohol, you should designate another person to drive. When traveling with others, you must decide who the designated driver will be before setting out. Ensure the driver is aware of the responsibility to maintain sobriety and watch out for everyone in the group. Take it easy on the drinks even if you are not driving.
2. If you are going alone, you should arrange a taxi or rideshare at the end of the night. If these options are not available or too expensive, consider staying the night at the host's house. Any option is preferred to drunk driving.
3. Alcohol is toxic and even dangerous in large quantities. So, even if you are not going to drive, take it easy on the drinks. Ensure to eat a lot of food and take non-alcoholic beverages

Safety Advice for the Host

If you are hosting an event or holiday party, consider these tips for keeping everyone safe:

• After introducing yourself to the guests, get to know their evening plans - if they plan to drink and how they plan to return home
• Provide food and non-alcoholic beverages to offset the effects of alcohol
• Do not let your guest mix their drinks. You can use a "bartender" to control and keep track of the sizes and quantities of drinks your guests have
• As the host, you should be sober and never lose control of the event. Never be afraid to tell someone who has consumed too much that they should not have another drink. 
• When it is about 90 minutes to the end of the party, you should stop serving alcohol. Serve dessert and coffee to give your guests some time to sober up. Please note: No amount of coffee will speed up sobriety. Only time can help someone become sober.
• Finally, know and understand the signs of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can be dangerous and deadly. If you believe someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning, do not hesitate to contact medical care. 

Conclusion

These are just a few tips that can help you and your party attendees stay safe and sober during the holiday season. Remember that driving drunk is never worth the danger and that your decision can have severe consequences. If you or a loved one is involved in a DUI charge, hiring a criminal defense attorney is highly recommended to help your case.