Winter holidays are among the most dangerous on Connecticut roads and highways.
The winter holidays are joyful – a time to get together with family and friends. However, this time of the year can also turn tragic because of drunk driving.
According to the National Road Safety Foundation, the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is one of the most dangerous periods on roads and highways in Connecticut and across the United States. Deaths and serious injuries from crashes spike because of drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. There also is a higher rate of drowsy driving, according to the foundation.
How to stay safe on the roads this holiday season
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working with law enforcement to spread the word about the dangers of drunk driving. The NHTSA offers the following tips:
- Always drive sober.
- Designate a sober driver or use a taxi or rideshare service to get home if you are drinking.
- Contact law enforcement if you see a drunk driver.
In addition, drivers should be aware of the signs of fatigue:
- Difficulty focusing
- Frequently blinking your eyes
- Nodding and yawning
- Drifting in and out of your lane
If you are feeling too tired to drive, pull over to a safe location and rest or drink a caffeinated beverage.
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Other organizations are promoting safe driving habits during the winter holidays. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) has partnered with law enforcement to recognize December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
MADD notes that every drunk driving death is 100 percent preventable. But unfortunately, drunk driving accidents happen every day. According to the NHTSA, during the 2017-2021 December months, more than 4,500 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
Crashes involving drunk drivers often result in severe injuries
A drunk driving accident can forever change a life. Injuries can be severe, and victims sometimes lose their lives. If you or a loved one was involved in a crash with a drunk driver, seek medical attention. Don’t ignore follow-up appointments. The insurance company for the drunk driver could use this against you in a claim.
The following are a few common injuries sustained by victims in drunk driving accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries that could lead to paralysis.
- Broken bones.
- Neck injuries such as whiplash.
- Internal organ damage.
- Nerve damage.
Because of the complex nature of drunk driving accidents, it’s important to call a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. An attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident and hold the drunk driver accountable. Insurance companies sometimes downplay the impact of injuries. They might offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t come close to the actual financial impact of the crash. That's when having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
What to do if you get hit by a drunk driver in Connecticut
If you were injured by a drunk driver, you need a powerful law firm in your corner to help you demand justice and accountability. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli for a free consultation.
Our car accident attorneys know how insurance company adjusters operate, and we won't let them take advantage of you. We take an aggressive stand on behalf of our clients and seek maximum compensation for their losses.
Contact us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay us unless we win your case. Let us work for you and help you get the compensation you need and deserve.