Thanksgiving is a time to loosen the belt and strengthen bonds with friends and family members. However, this year, 24 Rhode Islanders won’t be at the Thanksgiving table due to drunk driving fatalities, accounting for 36.9% of all motor vehicle related deaths in 2014. Don’t let your friends and family members become a statistic or threaten the health of other drivers on the road.
There are things you can do to keep your friends, family, and loved ones safe and healthy. Learn about blood-alcohol levels and individual limits. Designate a safe driver or seek alternatives to arrive home safely. Use our holiday safe ride on Thanksgiving eve to get home safely.
Stay Aware of Your Blood-Alcohol Level
A 2012 survey found that 2.4% of Rhode Island drivers admitted to getting behind the wheel after drinking too much. Rhode Island state law prohibits any driver from driving with a blood-alcohol level .08% or above. However, knowing a number doesn’t always help people understand how many drinks .08% really represents. Use the following chart to realize limits and when to stop drinking.
Be aware that the kind of drink matters regarding the percentage of contained alcohol. The average 12-ounce beer hosts 5% alcohol; one glass of wine has 15% alcohol; and, a 1.5 fluid ounce shot of 80-proof liquor contains 40% alcohol.
Assign a Designated Driver or Call a Cab
Before the festivities begin, assign a trusted friend or family member to be the designated driver, or take the initiative in ensuring the people in your immediate party are safe by electing yourself. Don’t spoil the holiday season and the New Year by putting yourself or others at risk on the road.
Be proactive and have a safe option in place before the fun begins. If you have trouble electing a responsible party, or if no one volunteers, there is an easy solution: The Rob Levine Holiday Safe Ride app. Enjoy a free and safe ride home.
Hire an Experienced and Professional Lawyer
In 2012, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes, one person every 51 minutes. Such crashes cost more than $37 billion per year. In 2014, 2,713 Rhode Islanders were arrested for driving under the influence. It’s hard to estimate how many people are injured by DUI offenders since not all victims seek the proper medical and legal assistance.
Victims of drunk driving accidents can suffer horribly: the medical bills can start to pile up, lost wages from missing work, decreased earning capacity due to disabilities, cosmetic defamation, as well as physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Some accidents result in minor injuries while others have devastating outcomes. If you have suffered injuries from a drunk driver or any other person’s negligence from a car wreck, ensure you’re compensated for your pain, suffering, and loss by contacting an experienced and knowledgeable car accident lawyer.
About Rob Levine & Associates
Rob Levine & Associates specializes in Personal Injury throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, as well as Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability throughout the country. As “The Heavy Hitter” Rob Levine not only works hard on your case, but also believes in making a positive impact in the communities he serves. Through internal resources, education and volunteerism, Rob Levine & Associates strives to help prevent accidents, as well as raise awareness around the needs of our elderly and returning veterans. For more information visit www.roblevine.com , call 401.529.1222 or toll free at 800.529.1222.
