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Chat2025 is upon us! New Year’s Eve is a time for joy, celebration, and new beginnings. Many Rhode Islanders will gather with loved ones to toast to a brighter future, make resolutions, and enjoy the festivities. But while we embrace this time of year, it’s important to stay mindful of a sobering reality: New Year’s Eve is also one of the most dangerous nights for drivers on Rhode Island’s roads due to drunk driving.
At Bottaro Law, we’ve seen how the reckless actions of impaired drivers can change lives in an instant. This New Year’s Eve, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and stay safe. And if the unthinkable happens—if you or a loved one is injured by a drunk driver—know that we are here to fight for your rights and help you recover.
As the clock strikes midnight this New Year’s Eve, let’s celebrate responsibly and prioritize safety on Rhode Island’s roads.
Drunk Driving: A Serious Danger in Rhode Island
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of traffic accidents and fatalities, both nationally and here in Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), approximately 30% of all traffic deaths in the state involve alcohol-impaired drivers. The holiday season—and New Year’s Eve in particular—sees a dramatic spike in these incidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that between 6 PM on December 31 and 6 AM on January 1, there is a sharp increase in drunk-driving-related crashes. This makes New Year’s Eve one of the deadliest nights on U.S. roads.
For innocent victims, the consequences of a drunk driving accident can be devastating. Injuries from these crashes often include head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more—many of which require extensive medical care and long-term recovery.
Why New Year’s Eve Is So Dangerous
What makes New Year’s Eve so risky for drivers in Rhode Island? Several factors come into play:
- Widespread Celebrations: Parties, dinners, and public events often involve alcohol, and unfortunately, not everyone makes responsible choices when it’s time to head home.
- Increased Traffic: New Year’s Eve brings more people out on the roads, whether they’re heading to a celebration or returning home. This increased volume means a higher likelihood of accidents.
- Late-Night Driving: The hours between midnight and 3 AM—when most New Year’s Eve parties wind down—are particularly hazardous, as many impaired drivers are on the road at this time.
How to Stay Safe on Rhode Island Roads
While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident this New Year’s Eve:
- Plan Your Ride in Advance: If you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver, take public transportation, or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Many cities in Rhode Island also offer free or discounted transportation on New Year’s Eve—check your local area for details.
- Celebrate Responsibly: If you’re hosting a party, help your guests stay safe by providing plenty of non-alcoholic drink options and ensuring everyone has a way to get home. You could even offer to call a cab or rideshare service for someone who may have had too much to drink.
- Stay Alert: If you’re driving, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially those that are swerving or speeding. Watch for pedestrians, as foot traffic tends to increase around celebrations.
- Avoid Late-Night Travel: If possible, stay off the roads during the early hours of January 1, when impaired driving incidents are most common.
What to Do If You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver
Despite taking precautions, accidents caused by drunk drivers can and do happen. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash, it’s essential to know your rights and take immediate steps to protect yourself:
- Call 911: Ensure that law enforcement comes to the scene to document the accident. The police can conduct field sobriety tests and obtain evidence, such as breathalyzer results, to determine if the other driver was impaired.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
- Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who may have seen what happened.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Drunk driving accidents can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. A personal injury attorney can help represent victims of drunk driving accidents and work to secure critical evidence, such as police reports and body camera footage, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Why Choose Bottaro Law?
At Bottaro Law, we’re proud to represent the injured victims of Rhode Island and fight for justice on their behalf. With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take. That’s why we’re dedicated to securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Mike Bottaro and his dedicated team are committed to helping injured victims across Rhode Island, fighting for justice with compassion and proven expertise.
Our No Fee Guarantee means you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on recovery and starting the new year on the right foot.
A Bright Start to 2025
As we welcome 2025, let’s all commit to making Rhode Island’s roads safer this New Year’s Eve. Celebrate responsibly, plan ahead, and stay alert to protect yourself and others from the dangers of drunk driving.
And if the worst happens—if you or a loved one is injured by an impaired driver—know that Bottaro Law is here to help. We’re committed to fighting for justice and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
From all of us at Bottaro Law, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!
If you need legal assistance, call us at (401) 777-7777 or contact us online for a free consultation.