Avoiding New Hampshire Drunk Driving Accidents on New Year’s Eve
December 24, 2020
Even though the holidays may look different this year, individuals continue to find ways to mark their accomplishments, celebrate holidays and the year’s end. Many of these celebrations, even “drive-by” celebrations, include merriment and, unfortunately, alcohol. It is imperative this year, as people are reluctant to hire car shares and taxis, that individuals take steps to ensure that they engage in safe driving to avoid a New Hampshire drunk driving accident.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nearly 400 people die in New Hampshire drunk driving accidents every year. Despite, sobriety checkpoints, ignition interlock laws, and license suspensions, individuals continue to take life-threatening risks by driving while impaired. Recent statistics from the Division of Motor Vehicles revealed that nearly 8,000 accidents were related to alcohol. The average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the impaired drivers was almost twice the legal limit. These accidents do not only result in serious harm to drivers and passengers, but more pedestrians die on New Year’s Day between 1 and 3 am, than any other day of the year.
Party goers should plan in advance to avoid drunk driving on New Year’s Eve. Even though law enforcement may abound to conduct sobriety checkpoints, accidents can occur at any moment. The circumstances surrounding this year may require people to plan for safe transportation in advance. Other years people could rely on rideshare companies, but many people are fearful of being in closed spaces with strangers for any duration. However, people should understand that getting behind the wheel while impaired or if the driver is impaired can cause a fatal accident.
Additionally, people should avoid other unsafe behaviors to ensure that they are aware of their surroundings. Drivers should refrain from texting or other forms of distraction. Moreover, many people can still experience the effects of heavy drinking even after a night’s rest. Drivers should make sure that enough time has passed before getting behind the wheel.
Those that suffer injuries because of a drunk driver may recover damages for their injuries and losses. In some situations, New Hampshire’s “dram shop” laws allow an injury victim to seek compensation from the establishment that served drinks to the impaired driver. These cases require a thorough understanding of complex New Hampshire personal injury laws, and it is crucial that victims and their families contact an experienced attorney to discuss their claims.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a New Hampshire Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a New Hampshire drunk driving accident, you should contact the experienced attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates for immediate assistance. Our attorneys have extensive experience successfully handling car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, defective product lawsuits, premises liability claims, and medical practice claims. We provide our clients with dedicated representation and ensure that their case receives personalized attention. The attorneys at our law firm have recovered significant amounts of compensation for New Hampshire accident victims. Contact our office at 800-804-2004, to discuss your rights and remedies after a New Hampshire drunk driving accident.