Labor Day marks the official end of summer for many Texas families. It’s tradition to celebrate this patriotic holiday with backyard barbecues, parties, and other get-togethers. Unfortunately, these festivities often mean an increase in the number of drunk drivers on Texas roads as well.
Drunk driving costs U.S. residents billions of dollars each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA estimates that the economic costs alone from drunk driving crashes total $47 billion, or about $152 per person nationwide.
How can you help protect yourself and those you care about from the high costs of drunk driving? Try these four tips from your experienced Texas car accident attorneys:
- Before you head to a party, know how you’ll get home. Plan ahead to call a cab, ride with a designated driver, or take public transportation. If spending the night where you party is an option, accept it!
- Program the numbers of several local taxi companies into your cell phone. You’ll be able to help others get a sober ride home, as well as call one for yourself.
- Celebrate your designated driver. Offer to pay for his or her non-alcoholic drink of choice, an appetizer, dessert, or dinner.
If you host a party, pay attention to how much your guests are drinking. It’s a good idea to stop serving alcohol a few hours before the party ends – this is a great time to bring out dessert, coffee, and other non-alcoholic food and drink options. Consider creating a space for guests to stay overnight in order to reduce the temptation to drive.