The holidays are a time of year to celebrate and be happy, but the stress that people place on themselves during this time can result in anxiety. Research has found that one in three adults find the holiday season causes feelings of anxiety and depression. To manage this stress, many people turn to alcohol, which can greatly increase a person’s chances of ending up in a deadly accident. The following information will review some helpful strategies to follow during the holiday season to greatly reduce your chances of ending up in a deadly accident.
Recognize the Danger
Data reveals that many adults do not treat their bodies as well during the holidays as they do during all other times of the year. 54% of adults report eating more unhealthy food during this period, while 16% of adults report drinking more alcohol than usual during this time. As a result of these findings, it should come as no surprise that Thanksgiving weekend is the deadliest holiday for motor vehicle accidents. Approximately 528 individuals were killed in accidents that occurred nationally during Thanksgiving in 2017.
Follow Safe Party Guidelines
There are several important strategies that people who host holiday parties can follow to avoid the risk of a drunk driving accident. Some of the holiday party safety tips that Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) recommend include:
- Confirming that guests have a safe way to get home after the party. This can include rides hare services or designated drivers.
- Consider providing sleeping accommodations to anyone who drinks too much and who does not have a safe way to get home.
- Do not push alcohol on anyone.
- Never serve alcohol to anyone below the age of 21.
- Offer non-alcoholic drinks to people who want to avoid alcohol.
- Plan activities that do not revolve around drinking.
- Provide enough food to guests so they are not drinking on empty stomachs.
Understand Ohio Dram Shop Law
Ohio Revised Code section 4339.18 lets an individual who has been injured by an intoxicated driver seek compensation from an alcohol vendor if:
- The injury occurred on the vendor’s property and was caused by negligence by the vendor
- The injury occurred off the vendor’s property and the vendor knowingly sold alcohol to a noticeably intoxicated individual or someone under the age of 21.
These regulations apply only to vendors who are licensed to serve alcohol. In most cases, social hosts who throw holiday parties are not held responsible under this law if a guest ends up harming someone. It is possible, however, to pursue legal action against a social host if the host serves alcohol to an individual under the age of 21 who causes injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Speak with an Accident Lawyer Today
No matter what safety steps a person takes, sometimes accidents still occur. If you or your loved one needs assistance during this time, you need the help of an experienced accident lawyer to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact me today 800-556-4769 and during our free case evaluation, we will review your options. Remember, I’ll Make Them pay®.