Every July 4 weekend, police in Miami, Homestead, and other cities try to prevent drunk driving accidents. Unfortunately, the holiday weekend means more people are drinking and some of these revelers are making the choice to drive home after drinking.
Don’t let this be you. Keep in mind that many private parties and many public festivities will be serving alcohol. Despite this, there are several ways to avoid DUI accidents in Miami and your community:
1) Consider alcohol-free parties.
Family-friendly events where alcohol is not served can help you avoid the temptation entirely. If you are hosting your own party, consider holding festivities earlier in the day and invite children as well as adults, creating a fun but family-friendly environment.
2) Stay off the roads.
Rather than driving to festivities, consider taking public transit or leaving the driving to someone else. You may be able to schedule a shuttle or bus service for a group of friends and family if you are headed out of town for an event or if you are going to a private party somewhere where public transit isn’t easily accessible.
Leaving the driving to someone else means you don’t have to worry about being tempted to drive and you don’t have to worry about being stranded. You can also avoid the congestion of one of the busiest travel days of the summer.
3) If you’re traveling, keep in mind that other drivers may not be making good decisions.
Even if you make plans not to drink, keep in mind that other drivers may not be making good decisions. If you are on the roads, you will want to put away distractions and stay alert for anyone who may be driving erratically or unsafely. Drive defensively and be extra careful when driving.
4) Have several ways to get home safely if you do drink.
Even if you don’t plan on drinking, have several options for getting home safely. These can include:
- Bringing extra money for a hotel
- Having a list of contacts you can call for a ride
- Hiring a shuttle bus or car for you and your friends
- Designating a driver
- Bringing extra money for a cab
- Having taxi apps on your phone
- Taking advantage of free transportation in your community
It may be tempting to walk home or to your hotel if you have been drinking, but this is not a safe option. As a pedestrian, poor motor skills and poor judgement can result in an accident. It is safer to have someone you trust get you home.
5) Talk to your children.
You may think your children are too young to drink and drive, but underage drinking is a rampant problem. Many children who are much younger than the legal drinking age will be offered alcohol when they visit friends or attend parties. In addition, your children may be offered a ride home by someone older who has been drinking.
Make sure your children know the dangers of drinking and driving. Even if they have heard the message before, repeat it. Ensure your children know they can always contact you or trusted adults in their life and get out of a dangerous situation safely – no questions asked. If your children know they will not be punished for getting home safely, they will be more likely to call when they need to.
If you have been hit by a drunk driver in Homestead or in any Southern Florida community, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our law offices are always open to those who have been injured through no fault of their own.