Celebrations are Fun, but are No Excuse for Drinking and Driving

For more than just the Irish, St. Patrick’s Day has become synonymous with consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.  Unfortunately, that means that drunk drivers have made this day more dangerous on our roadways.

Nobody likes to be a “Grinch” when it comes to holiday fun, but driving while impaired is never worth the risk.  If you plan to imbibe this St. Patrick’s day, don’t bank on the luck of the Irish to get you home safely.  Here are a few things to keep in mind before your festivities begin.

1. Designate a sober driver.
2. Wear your seatbelt.
3. If you drive to your celebration and become impaired, call a taxi, sober friend or family member, or use a form of public transportation.
4. Don’t believe caffeine or eating can sober you up or make you less intoxicated.
5. Remember “buzzed” driving is the same as “drunk” driving; don’t do it!
6. If you are hosting a party and someone is about to drive while impaired, that the keys and make arrangements to get them to where they are going safely.

Remember, you don’t have to be drunk to become a victim.  If you are on the roadways, be extra mindful of your surroundings and watch for other motorists.  Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and take extra precautions at intersections.  If you see someone driving recklessly, pull over and call the police.  You just might save a life.

 Mark Bello has thirty-seven years experience as a trial lawyer and fifteen years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Member of Public Justice, Public Citizen, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.