Impaired drivers put everyone on the road at risk
The holiday season is a time for celebration. It’s a time to enjoy family gatherings, office parties, and long-awaited reunions with friends.
Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous times of year on Massachusetts roadways. From Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Eve, alcohol-related car accidents spike, placing drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and families at serious risk.
Knowing the risks linked to the holiday season, the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) launched Operation Safe Holidays, an initiative focused on preventing impaired driving during this high-risk period.
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, our personal injury lawyers strongly support efforts like Operation Safe Holidays because we see firsthand the devastating consequences of drunk and impaired driving.
No celebration is worth a life-altering injury or the loss of a loved one.
What Is Operation Safe Holidays?
According to WWLP.com, which reported on the ABCC initiative, Operation Safe Holidays focuses on increased alcohol enforcement at bars and restaurants across Massachusetts, particularly establishments that have been linked to prior drunk driving incidents.
By holding bar owners accountable for over-serving patrons, the ABCC aims to prevent tragedies before they happen. As State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg noted, the goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy the holidays while still staying safe.
The data behind this initiative is sobering. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2017 to 2021, alcohol impairment played a role in fatal crashes involving 137 drivers on Thanksgiving Eve alone.
The largest percentage of those involved in fatal accidents included drivers between 21 and 24 years old, WWLP.com reported.
Overall, alcohol plays a role in roughly 40 percent of all traffic fatalities, leading to more than 17,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. Even more concerning, over half of impaired driving arrests involved people who were drinking at bars.
These numbers represent real people and real families whose lives are changed forever. Holiday traffic often includes more pedestrians, more nighttime driving, and more distractions, all of which make impaired driving even more dangerous.
Tips to stay safe during the season
While enforcement initiatives are critical, preventing drunk driving ultimately starts with personal responsibility. If you plan to drink this holiday season, plan ahead. Here are tips for safe driving:
- Designate a sober driver
- Use a rideshare service
- Take public transportation or stay where you are
Hosts should also do their part by offering non-alcoholic options and making sure guests have safe ways to get home. If you see someone attempting to drive while impaired, speak up. It could save a life.
Injured by a drunk driver? Tell them you mean business.
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, our mission is not only to help injured victims seek justice but also to promote safety throughout our communities.
Operation Safe Holidays is an important reminder that safe driving is a shared responsibility. By making smart choices and looking out for one another, we can help ensure that this holiday season in Massachusetts is remembered for joy, not tragedy.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk or impaired driver, know that you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our firm is here to help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no up-front costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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