Since the holiday season is upon us, we thought it was timely to discuss the issue of driving under the influence (DUI) because nationwide, there is an uptick in DUIs during the holidays. As people celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, they tend to drink more alcohol than usual. Not only that, but they may attend not one, but multiple celebrations during the holidays where alcohol is consumed routinely.
But don’t just take our word for it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Over the past 5 years, an average of 300 people died in drunk-driving crashes during the Christmas through New Year’s holiday period. In December 2016 alone, 781 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes.”
‘No Big Deal’ Released by NHTSA
Every year around the holidays, the NHTSA launches drunk driving awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving and how drunk driving increases during the holidays. One such campaign is called Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, and another one is the new advertisement called “No Big Deal,” an ad that vividly shows people the types of destruction that are caused by drunk driving.
The “No Big Deal” ad campaign is a virtual reality (VR) web experience, which has viewers interact with first responders as they rush to a drunk driving crash scene. To take part in the 360-degree VR experience, click here.
“The ‘No Big Deal’ VR experience highlights another consequence of drinking and driving: getting arrested. Law enforcement around the country will be making a special effort during Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over to find and arrest drunk drivers,” according to the NHTSA. To stay safe this holiday season and protect yourself from the consequences of drunk driving, drive sober and encourage others to do the same.
If you do drink, plan ahead by calling an Uber, Lyft, or cab. It’s a lot cheaper to pay a ridesharing service than it is to fight a DUI charge!
Next: DUI Checkpoints in California: Don’t Turn Away!
If you are arrested for DUI over the holiday season, protect your rights by contacting the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed for a free consultation.