Ten people were killed during the four-day Christmas weekend this year. That’s four more than 2008, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. We know at least two of these car wrecks involved drinking and driving.
It’s so frustrating to hear about fatal car accidents that could have been prevented if basic responsibility had been employed by the at-fault driver. For example, there was a recent car crash on Interstate (I-264) which featured a driver plowing through barriers and ignoring caution signals on the I-64 HOV interchange and exiting onto the wrong lane on I-264 west. The end result was a serious car crash and the death of Frances Wilson of Chesapeake, Virginia (VA). We don’t know if the at-fault driver was drunk or on some type of medication, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they were due to the high level of negligence involved in this wreck.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 38 percent of all fatal car accidents during Christmas and 54 percent of all New Year’s fatal car accidents are attributed to drinking and driving. I understand the temptations associated with drinking at a party during the holidays. You’re with friends having a good time exchanging gifts and reminiscing about events of the year, but this is no excuse to drink excessively and drive.
I know this is common sense but if you’re going to be driving, it’s essential to restrict alcohol consumption (for both your safety and the safety of any passengers in your vehicle).
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
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