As students in cold-weather climates begin to make their plans for Spring Break, Florida motorists are reminded, it’s that time of year again. Florida remains a hot spot for spring break itineraries which can only mean there will start to be an influx of young tourists on roadways the next few months.
As we continue on with our series of topics related to driver safety from President’s day through Spring Break, we focus on drunk driving. Other related topics are speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, teen and elderly driving.
Drunk driving is a dangerous behavior year around, but especially this time of year when you have so many students descending upon South Florida. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers hold their breath this time of year as they see the frequency of South Florida drunk driving accidents rise.
In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that drunk driving claimed the lives of more than 10,000 motorists. Nationally, 32% of traffic fatalities for the year were alcohol related.
Florida was over the national average, reporting 904 fatalities, or 35%, where at least one driver tested with a .01 BAC level. Alarmingly, 21% of fatalities occurred in Florida when the driver tested at a level of .15 or higher which is almost double the legal limit.
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System used by the NHTSA reported March as the second most dangerous month when it comes to crashes involving alcohol.
Spring Breakers are reminded of the following safety tips that can keep Florida roadways safer:
-Know your limit. Too much alcohol consumption can only lead to bad things so know when you have enough.
-Designate a driver if you plan to bar hop with a car. Law enforcement is on high alert during the months of February-April and getting caught driving under the influence has serious consequences. Not to mention the dangers.
-Refrain from engaging in dangerous situations in a car, bar, or bedroom where alcohol is involved.
-Recognize the symptoms of alcohol poisoning. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are detected.
-Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
The personal injury attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez fight aggressively for victims of drunk driving accidents in West Palm Beach, Margate, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. If you have suffered injury, call 1-800-529-2368 to make a free appointment to discuss your rights.