Holiday Drunk Driving Accidents In Maryland: How To Reduce Your Risks

The holidays are a time for celebrating, and alcohol is often part of the picture. Unfortunately, this can create significant risks on the road.

Getting behind the wheel of a car with any amount of alcohol in your system significantly increases the odds of being involved in a car accident in Maryland. Our Maryland drunk driving accident attorneys want you to be aware of how hazards increase over the holiday season and how to protect yourself against these types of crashes.

Alcohol-Related Impairments Increase The Risk Of Maryland Car Accidents

According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, driving under the influence claims the lives of more than 100 people throughout the state each year and leaves close to 3,000 suffering potentially severe personal injuries. Unfortunately, the holidays are one of the times they are most likely to happen.

From Thanksgiving through the New Year, the focus is on fun and holding festive gatherings with family and friends. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating the season with a few drinks, be aware of how it increases Maryland car accident risks. Impairments drivers often suffer, even with only small amounts of alcohol in their system, include:

• Vision disturbances, such as reduced depth perception and increased sensitivity to glare;
• Increased risk of distraction, making collisions with other motorists or fixed objects more likely to happen;
• Lack of coordination, making it difficult to handle multiple driving tasks;
• Reduced inhibitions, making you more inclined to engage in reckless driving behavior.

Reducing Maryland Drunk Driving Risks During The Holidays

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration warns that driving with a blood alcohol contact level of .08 or greater is against the law, but having even smaller amounts of alcohol in your system while behind the wheel could result in serious penalties. Drunk drivers can also be held personally liable for any injuries others suffer in the event a car accident happens.

To protect yourself against drunk driving accidents in Maryland this holiday season, be aware of the risks and take these precautions:

• Never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking and refuse to get into the car with any driver who has;
• If you are going out and plan on drinking, take an Uber or make other arrangements to get home;
• Be aware that drunk driving accidents most commonly occur at night, on weekends, and over holidays;
• If you are on the road and suspect another driver is impaired, pull over at a safe location, notify the police, and provide a description of the vehicle.

If An Alcohol-Related Crash Happens, Contact Our Maryland Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drunk driving accidents in Maryland are common, particularly during the holiday season. Unfortunately, they can leave innocent drivers involved suffering serious personal injuries.

Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP protects the rights of victims and their families, helping them get compensation. If you are hurt in a crash, contact our office and request a consultation with our Maryland drunk driving accident attorneys today.

Sources:

zerodeathsmd.gov/road-safety/impaired-driving/

mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/maryland-impaired-driving-laws.aspx