You Booze, You Cruise, You Loose

With the upcoming holiday, we must not forget the slogan "Over the limit. Under arrest." or "Drive Hammered. Get Slammered." In 2008, there were 13,846 alcohol-related fatalities in this country which totaled 37% of the total number of fatalities that year. In the same year, California had 1,198 alcohol-related fatalities which was 35% of the total fatalities in our state that year. Many American adults feel they are invincible (yes, not just teenagers) and think they will not be "that" person who gets a DUI. These people may not realize that approximately 30% of Americans will be in an accident involving alcohol. In addition, someone is injured in an alcohol-related accident every two minutes, and about two-thirds of DUI convictions are for first time offenders.

Here are some interesting facts and myths about drunk driving:

FACT: You are more likely to be in a drinking and driving accident during the holidays. Drinking and driving accidents occur with more frequency during holidays due to 'acceptable' drinking at parties and family functions. If at all possible, avoid the roads during major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the 4th of July.

MYTH: Coffee will help an impaired driver get home safely. Nothing could be further from the truth. While coffee can keep you awake from the caffeine, it in no way restores vision and other senses affected by alcohol.

FACT: Teenage drivers are at a higher risk to be involved in a drinking and driving accident. If you have teenage drivers, do whatever you can to ensure that they observe safe driving practices when they are on the road.

MYTH: Bigger people can drink more before driving because it won't have the same affect on them. Wrong again. While having food in your system will absorb more alcohol, just being big will not have the same effect. An overweight person who has not eaten recently will get just as drunk as anyone else when they have a few drinks.

Oh and parents, here is what a DUI costs on average for your teenager's first DUI and this is if no one gets hurt in an accident:

Please keep all of this in the back of your mind as you enjoy your holiday, and most importantly be safe and hand over your keys!

Shea & Shea is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm located in San Jose, California. The firm has extensive experience in representing individuals (adults and children) and their families in cases involving catastrophic injuries including wrongful death and traumatic brain injury. Since 1966, Shea & Shea have successfully represented the seriously injured and their families in both state and federal courts. To learn more, visit us at www.Shea-Shea.com or telephone 888-989-SHEA.