Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner. While it is a
Mexican holiday, many Americans still like to celebrate it due to its vast
array of festivities, fiestas, and margaritas. Just like many other holidays,
it can be as dangerous as it is exciting. Because of the popularity of drinking
that comes with this holiday, it can lead to risky and dangerous situations.
In 2014, there were 116 car accidents on Cinco de Mayo that
resulted in deaths. Another disturbing fact is that 17% of those drivers had
BAC levels of .15 grams or higher, which is nearly two times the legal limit.
In order to avoid a tragic accident like these, the best way you can prevent it
from happening is to plan ahead by designating a sober driver. Even if you
can’t find a friend who doesn’t want to abstain from drinking while being out,
you can plan to take an Uber or a cab. There’s always someone available to
drive you safely.
One of the most common reasons drunk driving crashes occur
is because the driver felt they weren’t “too drunk” to get behind the wheel.
But even buzzed driving is still drunk driving. And even one drink can lead to
a buzz.
If these accident statistic numbers aren’t enough to
convince one to avoid drunk driving, the personal costs of doing so might. If
you cause an accident due to drunk driving, you will most likely be charged
with at least a DUI, which is not something you want to be charged with. The
average cost for this type of charge is $10,000. You also risk losing your
driver’s license, paying higher insurance premiums, and can even face time in jail. So if you think
the cost of a cab or an Uber is too much, you should consider how much more
costly it will be to get charged with a DUI. You run a very big risk when you
drive intoxicated, so it’s better to spend some more money than you want to on
a ride, but be safe and not sorry.
These type of accidents are preventable. Of course,
sometimes accidents are inevitable because they are not our fault and sometimes
we don’t have control of what happens. Unfortunately, many people drive safely
yet are the victims of an accident due to a drunk driver. So even if you are
not intoxicated behind the wheel, there can be someone on the same road who is,
and that can be just as dangerous. But that is a risk you take no matter what
day you get on the road. The best thing you can do though to save your life and
others is to be responsible yourself. As its been said, be responsible and
don’t get behind the wheel after drinking. Don’t let your friends do so either.
Always be aware of your surroundings and drivers around you. If you suspect a
driver near you may be drunk, make sure you keep a safe distance from them and
call the police. And if you really want to be safe, the best thing you can do
is avoid the roads, especially on holidays like Cinco de Mayo where many people
are going out and drinking.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
