Deadliest Season for Drunk Driving Begins on Thanksgiving Eve
November 25, 2015The night before Thanksgiving has become one of the most anticipated and celebrated bar nights of the year. For many college students home for the holiday weekend or co-workers gathering for a last-minute drink, it is the perfect time to catch up and relax without having to worry about getting up for work the next day. Unfortunately, this night is also known for binge drinking and a higher rate of DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes. It is for this reason that Thanksgiving Eve has earned the ominous nickname “Black Wednesday.”
This year, the National Safety Council estimates that 433 people will lose their lives and another 52,300 will be seriously injured in traffic crashes over the Thanksgiving weekend. Sadly, this is only the beginning of the most dangerous time of year for drivers. The increased number of holiday shoppers and travelers on the roads is part of the problem. However, what makes things worse is the higher number of people who consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel.
Every day in the U.S., close to 30 people die in a wreck involving an alcohol-impaired driver. Between Black Wednesday and New Year’s Day, that number jumps to 45 drunk driving deaths each day. Furthermore, during this time 40% of traffic fatalities are alcohol-related, compared to 31% the rest of the year. Tragically, these statistics are entirely avoidable.
Maryland accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton encourage everyone to celebrate the season responsibly by following these simple tips:
- Plan ahead. If you know you will be drinking, make a plan for getting home safely. Designate a sober driver or make arrangements to stay over.
- Have a backup plan in case of emergency. Keep some cash and the numbers of a few cab companies on hand in case you or someone in your party needs a ride home.
- Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to protect yourself in the event of a wreck.
- Avoid traveling between midnight and 3:00 a.m., when most drunk driving car accidents
- Get some rest before you go out. Keep in mind that even small amounts of alcohol can magnify the effects of fatigue, putting you at risk of having a drowsy driving accident.
Maryland Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Fight for Victims Injured in Drunk Driving Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligent and reckless actions of a drunk driver, contact LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton today. Our dedicated and seasoned Baltimore accident lawyers have successfully obtained over $100 million for accident victims and their families. Don’t delay, call 800-547-4LAW (4529) to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can put our experience to work for you. A qualified member of our legal team is available to take your call 24 hours a day or you can contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent drunk driving accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.