Drinking and driving is the cause of slightly less than half of all vehicle fatalities in this country - a figure that has shown a decrease of nearly twenty percent in the past three decades.
However, with anywhere from 15 to 20,000 deaths attributed to drinking and driving and drunk driving accidents- I feel compelled to revisit various related topics on a regular basis. Let us consider alternatives for those who may ponder drinking and driving.
Many people make a visit to their favorite watering hole a part of their daily routine. Thousands and thousands of people stop for a drink after work through the week and on the weekend. In fact, drinking is a pastime in itself for many people - college aged students on up.
Besides that - you can grab a drink almost anywhere - they even have bars in some of the more upscale movie theaters so you can imbibe while watching the latest release.
My goal is not to cast aspersions on the act of drinking or drinkers in any way.
But drinking and driving simply do not mix. So any of the following choices are wise decisions for those who have had a cocktail or two:
*If you have had too much to drink then call a cab and leave your car locked in a well-lit, 24 hour lot. The cost of overnight parking pales in comparison to a drunk driving incident.
*Let a friend drive you home. Choose a designated driver before the evening starts - that person has promised to avoid drinking and make sure that the 'party' gets home safely.
*Stay in a hotel or motel if you've had too much to drink. Today's cell phones allow you to locate the closest place, call a cab and reserve a room within a moment or two. Sleep it off before trying to drive.
*Party or drink at home. Avoid being in a position where you are tempted to drive at all.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston drunk driving accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a Texas personal injury attorney call the Baumgartner firm.
