Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving accidents that end in a person’s death unfortunately still happen at a rate of more than 17,000 per year, despite the efforts of groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) that try to educate people against driving intoxicated. However, rates are significantly down from 20 years ago, when the death rate was above 25,000 per year. Here are some tips to stay safe at parties, on the road, and after an accident.
- At a party: If you are at a party where alcohol is present, ask the host to ask everyone to place their keys in a basket, and then keep the basket in a well-hidden area. Designate someone who plans to stay sober to be in charge of handing out keys at the end of the night, but only to people who have sobered up. If there are people who want to go home who are clearly intoxicated, arrange for a carpool or a cab.
- At a bar: If you are at a bar and notice someone who is clearly intoxicated about to leave the bar and drive, don’t hesitate to call police. Give police your location, the person’s license plate and car description. Calling the police might be a difficult decision, but think of the lives you might be saving. Also, if the person isn’t intoxicated, police will just send the person home without incident, and you’ll know you acted responsibly.
- Following a drunk driver on the road: If you are driving behind someone who is noticeably weaving, crossing over lanes, or otherwise driving erratically, call 911 immediately and provide the license plate number, the general vicinity, and the description of the car.
- If you’re involved in an accident: Call 911. Check yourself and your passengers for injury. It’s always a good idea to know CPR and basic first aid in case of an emergency like this one. If you are in a dangerous location and you can move your vehicle, pull it to the side of the road away from traffic. If you are in a safe location, wait for police to arrive. You do not have to speak to the other driver if you don’t want to. Definitely avoid discussing the accident at all.
- If you witness an accident: Call 911. Check on anyone who was involved in the accident without putting yourself in danger. Again, knowing CPR and first aid always comes in handy during these types of situations. Make sure to wait for police to arrive. You were a witness, so police will take a statement, and insurance agents might call you in a couple of days.
- Basic tips for staying safe: Always wear a seatbelt. Avoid sitting too close to the airbag; make sure you push your seat as far back as possible in order to still reach the pedals effectively. Make sure your child is sitting in a car or booster seat if necessary. Also, make sure children under the age of 12 years do not sit in front with an airbag. Always maintain a safe distance between other cars, especially if they are driving aggressively or erratically.