The National Safety Council reported that the highest number of drunk driving accidents take place during the summer months. However, these are only the ones that are reported at the police station. There might be more that go unreported. Summer in Vegas is the time when road construction, teenagers on the road, and road trips increase. Therefore, it does not come as a big surprise.
The freedom that comes with the summer months results in drinking and more serious drunk driving accidents. You can teach your child to be careful on the road, but you cannot control other vehicles. If you or someone you love has been in a drunk driving accident, seek help from Ace Law Group, a Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorney today.
Why do drunk driving accidents increase in summer?
There are several reasons for this increased risk. However, the most common is the rise in summertime social gatherings that involve alcohol drinking. A few occasions are weddings, graduations, and family get-togethers.
Additionally, summertime travel tends to increase traveler traffic, which means that drivers will often drive farther after drinking. People may drink more when it is warmer outside, making it more difficult to track their alcohol intake.
According to research in 2019, more than 1000 drunk driving fatalities were reported. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive measures to reduce drunk driving in the summer.
Injuries in drunk driving accidents.
The reduction in reaction times and vehicle control caused by alcohol can make drunk driving accidents more dangerous. Drunk drivers are more prone to move out of the traffic lane and delay their reaction to changing road conditions.
Drunk driving incidents may result in the following injuries.
- Broken and fractured bones
- Crushing injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Death
- Internal organ damage
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
In addition to starting a car fire, drunk driving accidents can also result in fatal burn injuries.
Driving too fast increases the risk of death in an accident involving alcohol.
A drunk driving accident may increase the likelihood of a head-on or rollover collision, both of which can cause fatalities.
How to protect yourself from drunk drivers?
There are a few steps you can follow to protect yourself from drunk drivers.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle if it is swerving or if the driver is operating it aggressively.
- Most of the drunk driving accidents occur at night. Therefore, keep your hands away from the steering wheel and stay safe.
- Be alert and drive cautiously at intersections and traffic signals.
- On your way back home after a party, have a designated driver with you who does not drink alcohol.