Item: Flaxman Law Group
Rating: 5
Author: Clara Barman

Holiday weekends can mean an increased risk of drunk driving in Hollywood and across southern Florida. Unfortunately, while many drivers do make the right choice and avoid drinking and driving, there are of chances to make the wrong choices and some motorists do make the wrong decisions.

There are several things you can do to prevent drunk driving accidents from affecting you and your family during the Thanksgiving weekend:

Have a few options to get home. If you’re going somewhere for the Thanksgiving holiday, plan ahead. Will there be an alcoholic beverages served? If there is any chance that you will be served alcohol, even if you don’t plan on drinking, make sure you have drive-home-safe options. Have money for local hotels or taxis as well as the contact information for both. Make arrangements with friends or family to pick you up or to act as designated driver. Having a few options can make it easier for you to make the right choice.
Consider public transit. Taking a bus, train or other public transit to holiday events will remove the temptation of driving home after you’ve been drinking. If you expect to drink, this can be the safest route, especially since you may not necessarily be making the best choices if you do drink.
Be extra cautious when driving late at night and in the wee hours of the mornings. Other drivers may make poor choices and may be driving home from holiday events inebriated. Try to avoid driving late at night, where fatigue as well as poor visibility may be a factor. If you are driving after midnight, use extra caution and keep alert for any drivers who are weaving or driving unsafely.
Talk to your family members and friends. If you have children at home, make sure they understand the importance of calling family or friends for a safe ride home if they or another driver are under the influence. Encourage others in your family to sign a no-drinking-and-driving pledge and encourage them to make the right choices. Act as a designated driver if you think it will help friends and family avoid drinking and driving.
If you’re hosting a holiday event, plan to help your guests get home safely. Consider collecting everyone’s keys to ensure they can’t get into their cars under the influence. If you’re serving alcohol, serve reasonable portions and stop serving alcohol earlier in the evening, replacing it with coffee and other nonalcoholic beverages. Have money on hand for taxis or have a designated driver who can drive people safely. Let guests park their cars at your home overnight or offer them a place to stay. Don’t let any of your guests to drive home after they have been drinking.

If you are affected by drunk driving this holiday weekend and would like to know your legal options, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free, no obligation consultation. You can speak with a Hollywood DUI attorney to determine what your next steps can be.