Keep the Holidays Merry and Bright: Don’t Drive Under the Influence

Festivities and gatherings are a hallmark of the holiday season. However, with the increase in merriment comes a concerning increase in drunk driving accidents. At Plakas Mannos, we believe in fostering a safer community, which is why we are dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence of intoxicated driving during the holidays.  

Drunk Driving Statistics

The statistics surrounding drunk driving during the holiday season are alarming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there is a significant uptick in drunk driving car accidents between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. According to NHTSA, in December 2020 alone, 937 people were killed by drunk drivers during the holiday season. Over the last year alone, the Ohio State Highway Patrol OVI Dashboard reports that in Stark County and Summit County alone, there have been 38 fatal car accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.  

Raising Awareness for National Impaired Driving Prevention Month              

Did you know that December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month? At Plakas Mannos, we understand the importance of raising awareness to address this critical issue. We have represented countless Ohioans killed or injured as a result of drunk driving, often around the holidays. Driving under the influence not only puts the lives of the drivers at risk but also jeopardizes the safety of other road users.   

You should also know that Ohio has a Dram Shop Law, under which not only can the intoxicated driver who caused the crash be held responsible, but so can any bar or restaurant that knowingly served alcohol to a minor or a noticeably intoxicated person.

How Can You Help Lower Drunk Driving Accidents?

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring a safer holiday season. Here are some ways you can help keep the roads safe for all Ohioans this holiday season:  

1. Be a Responsible Host: If your company or group is hosting a holiday gathering, provide alternative transportation options for guests and encourage responsible drinking. Make sure servers know that they are empowered to cut anyone off from the service of alcohol.    
2. Have a Plan: If you plan to consume alcohol at all, designate a sober driver or arrange for alternative transportation in advance to avoid any decision to drive at all.    
3. Be Alert and Drive Defensively: Even if you are not consuming alcohol this holiday season, others on the roadways may be. It’s always a good idea to be alert and drive defensively, but that is especially true during the holiday season.

At Plakas Mannos, we believe that proactive measures are key to creating a safer community. By raising awareness about the prevalence of drunk driving we hope to contribute to a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and above all, safety on the roads. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone arrives home safely to their loved ones.  

We Are the Lawyers You Never Want to Need  

Unfortunately, many of our cases involve drunk driving, including freeway crashes, pedestrian crashes, motorcycle crashes, and other catastrophic crashes and injuries. If you or a loved one are injured by drunk drivers or intoxicated drivers, our hearts go out to you, and we will do our best to get you answers and accountability. Our lawyers for drunk driving cases have successfully held bars and restaurants responsible for service of alcohol to minors and those who were already noticeably intoxicated when served. We are the lawyers you never want to need, but if you do need us, we are here for you. 

 Contact our Injuries & Wrongful Death team.