Here’s why Driving Sober is a Requirement – Not an Option
There is no end to the havoc and strife caused by people who drive while under the influence. We spoke to personal injury attorney John Price to learn more and by getting behind the wheel when they are unable to do so, they risk their safety while putting the lives of the others in potential danger. According to a report by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, more than half of all serious crashes in the state involve the driver being under the influence.
To raise awareness against drunk driving in the holiday season the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recently started two campaigns “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different — Drive High Get a DUI.” Both of these are aimed at persuading the people to be responsible with their vehicles.
What is Driving Under the Influence?
According to Law.com, driving under the influence is the act of operating a motorized vehicle while having a blood alcohol level beyond the set legal limit – one this is determined to be the level beyond which an individual would be too inebriated to drive safely, thus posing a safety risk to themselves and others. They have mentioned that is commonly called ‘drunk driving.’
According to the website of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the state law prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol to the extent that the person is visible and materially too impaired to drive safely.
The NHTSA, which records and reports traffic statistics, has stated that more than 30 people are killed every day in the U.S. due to drunk drivers. While there can never be a lesser time to feel such tragedies, their effects are markedly more during the holiday season.
Preventing DUIs
When it comes to DUIs prevention is everything. Simply preventing the situation where there is a drunk person behind the wheel is enough not to cause any accidents or long-lasting personal injury. The NHTSA states that this can easily be achieved by planning safe transportation before time and making smart and informed choices before and after attending any holiday event.
Here are the key safety measures that are listed on the NHTSA website:
- Having a designated sober driver
- Using ride-hailing or carpooling services
- Using public transportation systems like buses and subways
- Making sure that you are 100% if you are the designated driver
- Reporting any impaired drivers, you might see on the road to the police the moment to spot them
- Making sure your friends are family do not drive under the influence (you can take their keys if that becomes necessary)
If you are unsure how best to proceed following an accident or occurrence, we would suggest you contact a local personal injury law firm.