DRUNK DRIVER ALERT
The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at the law firm of Reiff & Bily recognize that “tis the season to be jolly”, but not to engage in drunk driving folly. During the holiday season of 2007, approximately one person per day died in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from DUI according to the Pennsylvania DUI Association. Of course, many more suffered catastrophic injuries. Drinking and driving is taken much more seriously than in the past as social norms and attitudes have evolved. Criminal and licensing penalties are stiffer and even bars, restaurant and other establishments that serve alcohol are included in the chain of legal responsibility.
Since 1979 the Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff & Bily has been representing innocent victims injured as a result of intoxicated drivers. As a matter of fact, tragically, we lost one of our lawyers in an alcohol related traffic accident many years ago. These tragic incidents are very easy to avoid. If you plan to celebrate, make sure you have a designated driver or take public transportation. Be well aware that there will be many drivers on the road who are under the influence of alcohol. Many of us know very few people who have not at some time in their lives driven while under the influence of alcohol or other mind impairing substances. It is important that we police ourselves, as well as our loved ones. As my deceased dear friend and partner told my son two weeks before he was involved in an accident involving alcohol usage, don’t let your family members or friends drive drunk. Take their keys and call a cab.
Recent studies indicate that during the holidays, as many as 45% to 70% of those operating a vehicle on the highways may be under the influence. The Pennsylvania DUI Association offers the following travel tips:
1. Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
2. Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys.
3. If you are hosting an office party, make arrangements for your employees to get home safely.
4. If you are impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
5. If your community has a sober rides program, take advantage of it.
6. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, use common sense and don’t hesitate to contact the police.
7. Remember, if you know someone who is about to travel impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
