Christmas is finally here! For many Georgians, this is the most exciting time of year. Unfortunately, it will be over just as quickly as it arrived. Many people throughout metro-Atlanta are already planning for the next big holiday: New Year’s! As usual, this New Year’s Eve brings many activities for Georgians to choose from that will be unforgettable. These events include the popular New Year’s Eve Peach Drop, which lasts from 11 A.M. on New Year’s Eve until well past midnight, when the 800 pound peach descends the tower in Atlanta. This is the largest celebration of New Year’s Eve in the southeast. For sports enthusiasts, the Chick-Fil-A Bowl will be played at the Georgia Dome, and every nightclub and event venue will throw an over-the-top part on New Year’s Eve.
Whether you’re planning to spend this New Year’s in downtown Atlanta, at a concert, or at a private party, we urge you to use caution. A well-known side-effect of Christmas and New Year’s is a vast increase in the number of vehicles on metro-Atlanta roads. Unfortunately, drunk driving also increases over the holidays. This in turn increases the number of auto accidents on Georgia roads and highways at the end of the year. Each year, law enforcement officials step up their efforts to prevent drunk drivers from injuring others on the roads, but there are no guarantees. DUI checkpoints will be set up all across Georgia, especially in the metro-Atlanta area.
As Marietta personal injury attorneys, it is important to us that Georgians are not injured as a result of another person’s negligence. There are a variety of transportation options available to Georgia citizens that do not involve driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These options are even greater around the holidays because so many individuals and companies are averse to drunk driving. If you plan to consume alcohol this New Year’s Eve, plan ahead for your ride home. Instead of driving yourself, designate a designated driver before planning your night. If you cannot find a trustworthy designated driver, contact a driving service, cab or taxi company to provide a ride home. Many taxi and cab services will have all hands on deck this New Year’s Eve so your wait will be as minimal as possible. If you cannot afford to pay for a cab, taxi or driving service, AAA has a program titled Sober Ride that lists affordable options for getting home while intoxicated:
- Saferide America: Serving Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties. This program charges a mere $15 to pick up and $3.00 per mile. This option is available from 8 P.M. until 4 A.M.
- Be My DD: A 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service where a driver will take you home in your own vehicle. For more information, call 1-877-823-6933.
- Metro America Safe Drivers: Serving Cobb, Dekalb, and Fulton counties. Operating from 7 P.M. until 7 A.M. daily, a driver will take you home in your own vehicle for free. The phone number is 770-507-3332 and tips should be considered, as they are doing you a great favor.
Those operating motor vehicles have an obligation to ensure the safety of others by not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If an intoxicated driver causes an Atlanta auto accident, they may be held liable for the injuries and damages. It is unfortunate that in spite of the warnings from the general public and law enforcement to not drive under the influence, there are accidents caused by drunk drivers every year that result in Georgians being seriously injured or killed. If you or someone you know were involved in a Georgia drunk driving accident and it was the fault of the other driver, it is important to contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal options. In the event you are involved in an accident as a result of another’s intoxicated driving, contact our office today for a free consultation and case evaluation at (770) 427-5498.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Car Accident, Drunk Driving, Safety Tips
