As summer winds down, Labor Day provides the opportunity for one last cookout or visit to the beach before everyone’s attitude focuses on the approaching fall season. Unfortunately, as with any holiday, alcohol often goes hand in hand with various festivities. To reduce the risk of drunk driving accidents and the serious, potentially life-threatening injuries that can result, local, state, and national officials were more aggressive in their efforts at getting these drivers off the road.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a new campaign designed to help reduce the number of drunk driving accidents. They have spent years appealing to drivers through public information outreach efforts and informing them of the dangerous impacts any amount of alcohol can have on driving abilities. In their ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign, they take a different approach.
Labor Day holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for drunk driving accidents. This year, the NHTSA joined efforts with other traffic safety officials and tens of thousands of law enforcement agencies throughout the country in an aggressive attempt to apprehend offenders before accidents occur. From mid-August through the beginning of September, the campaign focused attention on three distinct areas:
- Increased law enforcement presence on highways and local roads
- More frequent stops for drivers suspected of being under the influence
- A greater number of DUI checkpoints in areas where drunk driving accidents are known to occur
Along with watching out for drunk drivers, the NHTSA is encouraging law enforcement to be vigilant in regards to drivers who may be under the influence of other intoxicating substances. This includes illegal ‘street’ drugs as well as marijuana and prescription or over the counter medications.
Protect Yourself Against Drunk Drivers
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports that more than 5,000 drivers are arrested in Santa Clara County each year for driving under the influence. In addition to being a danger to themselves, these drivers put other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk as well. To protect yourself and others against injuries caused by drunk driving accidents, follow these safety tips:
- Avoid driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol or any medications you may be taking that could cause impairments.
- If you are going someplace where you do plan on drinking, make sure to get a ride home.
- If you are hosting a party, stop serving early in the evening and offer non-alcoholic options.
- If you spot a suspected drunk driver on the road, give them plenty of space. Pull over at the first safe opportunity and notify law enforcement.
Contact a San Jose Attorney Today for Help
If you are a victim in a drunk driving accident, the Jachimowicz Law Group provides the trusted guidance and professional representation you need in seeking compensation. To request a free consultation, call our office or contact our skilled San Jose drunk driving accident attorneys today.
Sources:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/848b335c-1360-4473-a35d-4da3345c666a/S5-257.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=
https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/impaired-driving-labor-day-enforcement
