Holiday Drunk Driving Accidents In Harrisburg: Protect Yourself And Your Loved Ones This Season
Throughout the holiday season, Harrisburg residents plan on celebrating with family and friends. Whether you are busy getting ready for company or planning a trip, make safety a top priority.
Drunk driving poses major risks at this time of year and is a common cause of car accidents in Harrisburg. Our Harrisburg car accident lawyer offers tips to help keep you, your loved ones, and others on the road safe during this year’s festivities.
Drunk Driving A Major Risk Over Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many people, with its focus on food, family, and festive celebrations. However, alcohol is frequently featured at gatherings and the tendency to overindulge increases Harrisburg car accident risks.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving-related crashes are more common over Thanksgiving weekend than any other time of the year. Drinking often starts the day before the holiday, earning it the moniker ‘Blackout Wednesday’.
Whether you are attending gatherings with friends at local bars or visiting loved ones for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, be aware of the risks and take a few simple precautions:
- Keep in mind that even one or two drinks can impact your judgment, reflexes, and coordination.
- Never get behind the wheel if you have any amount of alcohol in your system.
- If you are going out and plan on drinking, rely on sober friends to get home or use ridesharing services.
- If you are hosting a party, avoid over-serving guests, and provide accommodations for those who may have overindulged.
How To Reduce Harrisburg Drunk Driving Car Accident Risks
In addition to putting yourself and others at risk, drunk driving in Pennsylvania carries severe penalties. State DUI laws are designed to deter people from driving under the influence, but Thanksgiving is one of those times when even the most conscientious motorist may throw caution to the winds.
Being a sober driver significantly decreases Harrisburg’s car accident risks. Other steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers over the holiday weekend include:
- Make sure you and others in your vehicle wear a seat belt at all times;
- Be aware that nights, holidays, and weekends are the most common times for drunk driving accidents to happen;
- Give other motorists plenty of space on the road;
- If you notice a driver weaving in and out of lanes or engaging in other dangerous behavior, pull over at the first safe location and notify the authorities.
If you are injured in a Harrisburg car accident and suspect the other driver is under the influence, notify the police, get contact information for everyone involved, and seek medical attention immediately.
Contact Our Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer
At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season. When car accidents in Harrisburg happen, we help you get the compensation you need to recover. Call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Harrisburg car accident lawyer today.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/buckle-and-dont-drive-impaired-thanksgiving-holiday
dmv.pa.gov/Information-Centers/Laws-Regulations/pages/dui-legislation.aspx
