How Can I Avoid Drunk Driving This Holiday Season?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

If you are planning to serve alcohol over the upcoming holiday season at a party, remember that you need to have alternative forms of transportation available for guests, including designated drivers.

Alcohol-related accidents and deaths rise during holiday periods, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With this in mind, you need to know that you can be held liable for any accidents that may occur due to a drunk driver leaving your party, as many states have premises and social host liability laws.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has offered safety tips for those hosting parties:

  • As guests arrive, confirm that they have a plan for a safe way home via a non-drinking designated driver (rideshare service, public transportation, taxi, etc.).
  • Plan activities like party games or door prize drawings that do not involve alcohol
  • Do not push drinks onto guests
  • Offer non-alcoholic beverages or “mocktails” for non-drinking designated drivers
  • Never serve alcohol to someone under 21
  • Provide plenty of food to keep your guests from drinking on an empty stomach

A Drunk Driver Injured Me. Can I File a Lawsuit?

Remember, if you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver, it is important to take legal action. A lawsuit will help you get the financial assistance you need to deal with the injury and follow-up treatment.

Our attorneys assist drunk driving victims in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County and Arlington County. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Did You Know? In 2012, more than 900 people were injured in alcohol related crashes in Maryland.

Source: http://www.madd.org/drunk-driving/safe-party/

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.