Your chances of being involved in an Austin car wreck increase significantly on Cinco De Mayo. Cinco de Mayo can be a fun way to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage with friends and family. Unfortunately, it has turned into a holiday that gives rise to a large number of drunk drivers on our roadways.
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 43% of all highway fatalities occurring on Cinco De Mayo are caused by impaired drivers with a blood alcohol content of .08 or above.
From 2010-2014, there have been 268 traffic fatalities as a result of drunk drivers on Cinco De Mayo. There are several ways to protect yourself this Cinco De Mayo.
First: If you are going to drink, leave your car keys at home! Don't even bring your keys with you, and you can safely have fun! If you are out and suspect someone planning on getting behind the wheel has been drinking, make a simple phone call to any of the following to get them (and yourself) home safely:
Yellow Cab Austin: (512) 452-9999
Austin Cab Company: (512) 478-2222
Austin Express Cab Service: (512) 666-4141.
Second: Even if you haven't been drinking, others on the roadways have. Drive defensively and protect yourself. Here are some things to look for that can help you identify a potentially intoxicated driver on the road:
Driving erratically and in between lanes;
Driving without headlights; and,
Driving too fast, or sometimes even too slowly.
Make sure you are alert and observing the drivers on the roadway with you. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others on the roads, as drunk drivers tend to make erratic and sudden movements that may be impossible to anticipate.
Drunk drivers present one of the most significant risks to all of us traveling on the roadways of our communities. If you or someone you know has been injured in a drunk driving collision, do not hesitate to contact CPM Injury Law, P.C. for an easy and free legal consultation.
Be careful out there tonight!