The winter holidays generally mean family gatherings and celebrations. Unfortunately, those celebrations accompany a great deal of alcohol consumption and increased travel. This is a dangerous combination.
Statistics related to alcohol and speed
The statistics are clear when it comes to risk-taking actions and crashes. Since 2015, there has been an average of 3801 injuries or deaths each year linked to impairment and 8225 related to speeding in Wisconsin.
Obviously, alcohol and speeding are dangerous and symptoms of reckless driving. And of course, the holidays typically mean much more congestion and more travel, and thus there is more opportunity for recklessness.
What can drivers do to protect themselves?
You cannot avoid driving during the holidays simply because there might be impaired or reckless driving. You have obligations to work, to family and to daily life that you cannot ignore, but you can take some steps to protect yourself:
- Watch other drivers: If you see another driver, look at their behavior on the road. If they take risks, such as driving rapidly on snowy roads, take caution.
- Follow rules of the road: Many drivers have a lax relationship with the use of signals or speeding. Safe drivers, however, always ensure they are driving according to the rules of the road.
- Be mindful of your trips: You may not be able to avoid driving at all, but going out late when drivers are most likely to be drunk or when visibility is low is a risk you don’t need.
With a bit of caution, you can minimize your risks.
There is no such thing as “no-risk” driving
Minimal risk is still a risk, and you may find yourself in an accident regardless of taking every reasonable precaution. If that happens, you have ample opportunity to pursue compensation.
