Email
Chat
Each year it seems, we learn of tragic car accident personal injury claims around this holiday. St Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration and is known to be a big drinking day (beer and whiskey, anyone?). But drunk driving car accidents are no joke as I can tell you having practices law for twenty years. If you are injured, I will help you with 24/7 service. You can text or call me for free anytime. But here are the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC’s top 5 tips to avoid a car accident this weekend:
- Designate a Driver
We all know the law – do not drink and drive. Before you go out and celebrate, plan for someone to stay sober and be the designated driver for the group. If you are the designated driver, be sure to keep a watchful eye on the road. You might be sober behind the wheel, but others might not be. Drive extra defensively and make sure everyone in the vehicle has a seat belt on. Pay attention to pedestrians, especially in a busy area, who might not be in the right mindset after partying all day. - Have a Back-Up Plan
If you cannot find a designated driver but still want to go out, make other arrangements before heading to your destination. You could rent a room at a hotel, use a ride-share app such as Uber or Lyft, or even call a family member for help. If you live in a city area, utilize the bus or subway transportation services to ensure a safe ride home. - Celebrate at Home
Sometimes celebrating at home is more fun than actually going out to a pub. You can be around a closer group and people you know, rather than worrying about strangers’ safety. If you celebrate at home, you can buy everything you need beforehand and won’t have to venture out of your home – avoiding the roads and possible personal injuries from yourself or another drunk driver. - Stay Aware of Your Surroundings and Others
If you are out, always be alert and aware of what is going on around you. Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept a drink that’s been already opened – unless it is from a bartender or waiter. Make sure your friends stay within their drinking limits, and definitely do not let them drive drunk. - Celebrate Earlier in the Day
Auto accidents happen at all times of the day, but more car accidents will occur in the later hours. You can reduce the risk of a St. Patrick’s Day auto accident happening by heading out and celebrating when it’s still light out. Most years, you can catch the parade and go out for lunch or dinner after. The earlier you wrap up celebrating, the safer you’ll be in your home.
Driving Under the Influence in Rhode Island
Although people urge to stay safe and avoid drunk driving, many car accidents, especially on St. Patrick’s Day, are caused by drunk drivers.
The penalties of a DWI depend on the judge, who will consider the driver’s criminal history and the circumstances of the incident. Rhode Island separates their convictions based upon the number of prior DWIs the person has received, the driver’s BAC, the level of impairment, and if the offense involves drugs.
In Rhode Island, the law will charge an intoxicated driver with a DUI rather than a DWI when they are under the age of 21 and have a BAC between 0.02% and 0.08%.
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top Rated Car Accident Legal Help
At the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC, we handle all types of personal injury cases every day. Honesty. Integrity. Results. Our experienced legal team is here to fight for your rights. Contact us in any method you prefer 24/7 for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call: 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form.