As the holiday season gets started, you may have the opportunity to host or attend exciting parties and events that will make the season even more memorable. Keep in mind a few basic safety rules when celebrating with friends to ensure a fun night with no accidents or casualties. The following tips can help to protect drivers and partygoers on their way home.
Never Drink and Drive
Although we’ve all heard the warning many times, at parties it can be easy to forget or drink a little more than usual. A problem develops when we decide to get behind the wheel to drive home while under the influence of alcohol beyond the legal limit. A high number of road accidents are due to alcohol or drug use, so don’t overdo it when you plan to drive home after the event. If you are unsure what the legal alcohol limit is, contact a personal injury attorney for details about driving under the influence.
Don’t Be a Distracted Driver
Another potential problem for drivers following a seasonal party is the temptation to text and drive or use a smartphone in other ways while navigating a vehicle. Pull over if you must use the phone or let a passenger find necessary information, such as road directions to someone’s house or the nearest gas station. The number of accidents caused by distracted drivers is rapidly growing to rival the numbers caused by alcohol use.
Pay Attention to Road Conditions
Winter weather can turn treacherous very quickly. Rain can switch to snow squalls, or ice can form on roadways, sometimes unseen, causing cars to swerve out of control if drivers aren’t careful. Check the weather report before heading out to your celebration, and keep an eye on weather conditions on your way home to avoid skidding on the ice or getting stuck in drifting snow.
Watch Out for Other Drivers
Drivers that do everything right still must watch out for other drivers who are less careful. You’ve undoubtedly noticed speed demons or show-offs on the road who whiz past so quickly or cut in front of you that they nearly cause a traffic accident. Since other drivers may also be attending parties where alcohol is served, the careless ones may be even likelier to drive hazardously and pose a threat on the roads. Stay out of their way when you spot them.
The holidays should be a time of fun and celebration. Enjoy the parties, but be careful when driving home to ensure everyone makes it safely.
Author information: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
