Summer in Florida is a season of celebration, filled with beach parties, festivals, and holiday gatherings. However, this vibrant time of year also introduces increased risk levels to yearlong residents due to an increase in DUI accidents. Similar to risks during spring break, the summer season allows for and encourages many out-of-staters to drive down. With more people on the road, especially tourists, the likelihood of encountering impaired drivers rises significantly. With over three dozen deaths per day in America due to drunk driving – and many more injuries – staying informed about safety is the best way to prevent injuries on the road.
Increased Risk of DUI Accidents During Summer
Tourists aren’t the only ones getting drunk and driving on Florida roads, but they are part of a noticeable uptick. Many tourists, eager to make the most of their vacation, find themselves navigating unfamiliar roads. Unaware of local traffic patterns and laws, their chances of making a critical driving error increase, especially after a few drinks. It’s easy to lose track of how much one has consumed when parties are on the mind. Unfamiliarity on the road can turn a simple night out into a dangerous situation.
Local law enforcement faces a daunting task during these Summer months. The influx of visitors strains resources, as police officers are spread thin, trying to maintain order in crowded tourist hotspots. The sheer volume of traffic found near the coast creates a hazardous environment for both residents and visitors, and police are unable to stop every driver before they cause injuries to others.
With the Fourth of July and Labor Day shortly, everyone should be prepared for increased risks. Even though you can never 100% prevent accidents from occurring, you can position yourself to be in a better position and avoid some accidents from changing the course of your life. As a bonus, learning how to stay safe and avoid DUI accidents applies year-round, not just during the busy season.
Tips to Stay Safe and Prevent Accidents
Staying safe on the road combines two key insights – how to keep yourself safe through your own decisions and how to keep yourself safe by recognizing danger around you. Limit your own risks of DUI accidents, and at the same time, take steps to make sure someone else’s bad decisions don’t result in an accident that can harm you or your family.
One of the best ways to stay safe on the road this summer season is by planning ahead. If you know you’ll be drinking, designate a sober driver or arrange for a taxi or rideshare service. Encourage your friends or family to make their own arrangements if they are in similar situations. If possible, stay off the roads the night of celebrations, as many people around you may not be as vigilant about safety. For example, a recent Fourth of July weekend led to nearly 200 deaths in America, which is about double what you would expect for three normal days out of the year.
You can also stay informed about local events and traffic patterns to help you avoid risky situations. Use traffic apps and local news sources to find out about large gatherings or high-traffic areas, and steer clear of these spots to reduce your chances of encountering impaired drivers.
If you do find yourself on the road during a risky period, always be extra vigilant when driving. Watch for signs of impaired driving, such as swerving or erratic braking, and keep a safe distance from any driver you suspect might be under the influence. Your attentiveness can make a big difference in preventing accidents.
Not all accidents are preventable, and you deserve compensation if someone else’s bad decision to drink and drive injures you or a loved one. Contact Probinsky & Cole today to learn how we can help secure fair compensation that enables you to get back on your feet after an accident.
