Halloween kicks off the holiday season, and even though it’s on a Tuesday, you can be sure that will not stop people of all ages from celebrating the spookiest day of the year. If you are planning on donning a costume and going out with friends the weekend before Halloween, do you know who will be designated driver?
Even when sober, you run the risk of getting into a drunk driving accident every time you get behind the wheel. This risk increases on holidays and weekends, when people are much more likely to drink before hitting the road. Sadly, even motorists who make it a point to follow all the rules of the road can find themselves in a devastating collision because someone else did not plan ahead and arrange for transportation after a night of partying.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2,500 people died in crashes involving a drunk driver in Mississippi between 2003 and 2012, and many more sustained serious injuries. If you were hurt in an accident with an intoxicated motorist, you may have valid grounds for a personal injury claim.
Contact Heilman Law Group to discuss your case and determine the best way to proceed. A car accident lawyer in Jackson will assess the circumstances of your collision, gather evidence, calculate damages, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a case evaluation.
Read on to learn how you can reduce the risk of getting into a drunk driving collision this Halloween:
- Head Home at a Reasonable Time
According to Consumer Affairs, most fatal collisions occur between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., which also happens to be around the time when most people leave clubs and bars after last call. You can reduce the risk of coming across a motorist who has been drinking all night by leaving your Halloween party at a more reasonable hour.
- Host a Party at Home
If you want to stay off the roads entirely, why not host a party at home? Keep the guest list small so everyone can sleep over if they need to, and make it clear that you do not want anyone to drive after they have consumed alcohol at your house.
- Slow Down and Stay Alert
If you have to be on the roads when intoxicated motorists are more likely to be out, travel at or slightly below the speed limit when it is safe to do so, and keep an eye out for any signs of drunk driving. This includes swerving, sudden accelerating or decelerating, and failing to abide by traffic signals.
- Arrange for Safe Transportation
If you do plan on going out and drinking on Halloween or the weekend before, make sure you have a plan in place for getting home so you are not the cause of a drunk driving collision. This might be selecting a designated driver among your friends or using a rideshare service to make it home safely.
If you were hurt in a drunk driving crash despite your best efforts to avoid one, contact Heilman Law Group. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule consultation with a car accident attorney in Jackson. You can learn more about motor vehicle collision claims in Mississippi by visiting USAttorneys.com.
