Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over: Protecting Yourself Against Pinellas County Drunk Driving Car Accidents
Labor Day is a great time for locals to gather with family or friends and enjoy all the area has to offer. Unfortunately, traffic safety officials claim it is also the most common time for drunk driving accidents. Our Seminole car accident attorney explains efforts on the part of traffic officials to address the problem and how you can reduce drunk driving risks on local roads.
Reducing Drunk Driving Risks In Florida
According to statistics from officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the weeks immediately before and after Labor Day are one of the most common for drunk driving car accidents. These can leave drivers, passengers, and other road users with potentially life-threatening personal injuries in Pinellas County.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a public service campaign that aims to reduce the risks. Each year from mid-August to mid-September, national traffic officials partner with state and local law enforcement to increase public awareness. Educational campaigns aim at making drivers more aware of how even one or two drinks could impact their system. Impairments that make driving dangerous include:
- Lack of coordination, making it more difficult to drive;
- Slower reflexes, reducing your ability to respond appropriately to traffic signals or other drivers;
- Difficulty maintaining focus, increasing the risk of distracted driving;
- Vision impairments, making it harder to see the road and what is happening around you.
In addition to raising awareness of drunk driving risks, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign also emphasizes increased law enforcement efforts. During this time, expect to see more DUI checkpoints and police steps as officers work to get drunk drivers off our roads.
Protecting Yourself Against Drunk Drivers in Pinellas County
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) states that drunk driving remains a leading cause of car accidents and Pinellas County is one of the places these crashes are most likely to happen. Both in spring and early fall, law enforcement focuses on apprehending offenders. To protect yourself against these potentially life-threatening crashes, follow these tips:
- Never get behind the wheel if you have any amount of alcohol in your system;
- If you are out and have a few drinks, make other arrangements to get home;
- Do not let friends or family drive under the influence;
- Be aware that nights, weekends, and holidays are the most likely times for these crashes to happen.
Contact Our Pinellas County Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney
If you encounter a drunk driver on the road, give them plenty of space, get their vehicle information, and notify law enforcement. If you are injured in a crash, make sure an accident report is completed, seek medical care, and contact The Reep Law Firm to protect your rights in a claim. We provide the caring, client-focused legal representation you need to get compensation. Request a consultation with our Seminole drunk driving car accident attorney today.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/campaign/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over
flhsmv.gov/2023/03/03/flhsmv-launches-never-drive-impaired-campaign-discusses-dui-dangers/#:~:text=Of%20the%205%2C746%20impaired%2Ddriving,driving%20crashes%20for%20the%20month.