The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently issued a press release regarding the increase in law enforcement efforts to crack down on drunk and drugged driving this holiday season. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign is aimed at reducing the amount of fatal and injury-causing drunk driving accidents that occur across America this season. Unfortunately, with more people on the road for holiday travel and an increase in the number of celebrations, this season is one of the deadliest for drivers, passengers, commuters and holiday travelers.

Just the Facts

• During last year’s holiday season, 830 people died in drunk-driving wrecks.
• Over the past 10 years, nearly two of every five traffic-crash deaths that happened around the New Year’s holiday involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
• During that same time period, 37 percent of traffic-crash deaths that occurred during the Christmas holiday involved alcohol-impaired drivers.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is a great way to ensure a safe ride home at the end of a holiday celebration. Not only does having a safe plan keep you from hurting yourself or others on the road, it also keeps you out of trouble. Law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts this season to arrest drunk and buzzed drivers. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx hopes to send a message across the country that people can either drive sober or get pulled over this holiday season. Make sure to designate a driver at the beginning of the night. It may also help to have a backup plan. Pre-program a cab company’s number into your phone, just in case. Additionally, never let somebody who has been drinking behind the wheel.

Safe Travels

The last thing anybody needs to deal with during the holiday season is a traffic accident, especially if a drunk driver was involved. Victims of drunk-driving crashes may be facing extensive medical bills, lengthy rehabilitation programs, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering. The holiday season should be spent with loved ones, and nobody should have to worry about making ends meet because of medical bills or lost wages due to a drunk driver. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a drunk or buzzed driver, contact the experienced legal team at Weldon & Rothman, PL for a free consultation. The team at Weldon & Rothman, PL wishes everybody safe and happy holiday travels.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com

Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.