by Tim O’Hare
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Fourth of July weekend has been named the deadliest weekend for drunk driving on Texas roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the last 25 years, half of the accidents that occur on Fourth of July weekend involve alcohol. Forty-three percent of all traffic fatalities over Fourth of July weekend are alcohol-related, ranking even higher than the New Year’s holiday.
Last year, to crack down on drunk driving over Fourth of July weekend, Texas law enforcement instituted a “No Refusal” weekend. During a No Refusal weekend, any motorists or boaters suspected of drunk driving who refuse a breathalyzer test will have a search warrant issued against them for police to take a blood specimen to test their blood-alcohol level.
This year, Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, and many celebrations will take place the weekend before. Although Texas law enforcement has not yet declared the weekend a No Refusal weekend, it’s important that drivers stay on high alert. Texas law does not take drunk driving lightly.
Don’t let drunk driving ruin your celebrations this Fourth of July. Here are a few reminders to stay safe:
Choose a designated driver. If you’re going to party where you know there will be alcohol, plan ahead and select a designated driver or alternative form of transportation. Before you get to the party, know exactly how you will get home. If you’re hosting a celebration, be sure to provide plenty of nonalcoholic drink options for the designated drivers.
Avoid late night driving. Nobody likes to leave a party early, but if it means getting home safe, it’s probably worth it.
Drive in the right lane. Sticking to the right lane can save your life from drunk drivers, and wrong-way drivers alike. Often times drunk drivers drift out of their lane or into oncoming traffic. The further you are to the right of the road, the better your chances of avoiding being side swiped or hit head-on by a drunk driver.
Planning ahead and making smart choices are essential when it comes to your safety.
If you or a loved one has been injured or even killed as a result of drunk driving, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free consultation with a Dallas personal injury attorney.
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