Labor Day remains the last holiday to celebrate with friends and family as the end of summer approaches and the school year begins. It’s also one of the deadliest days of the year for car accidents and accident-related fatalities, along with Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. That’s why the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) began its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign a few years ago.
As part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, law enforcement agencies across the United States have been looking to arrest drunk drivers. If you drink and drive and are caught, you can expect up to $100,000 in fines if a homicide occurs, possible jail time, possible driver’s license suspension or revocation, higher automobile insurance costs and other expenses.
Wisconsin is home to nearly 3,000 injuries from alcohol-related accidents in a year and more than 20,000 convictions for drunk driving offenses each year, so on Labor Day, drivers need to be more vigilant than ever.
Why are there more car crashes on Labor Day and other holidays?
The reason for an increase in Labor Day car accidents is not difficult to understand.
More drivers are on the road. Let’s face it: summers are short in Wisconsin. With Labor Day marking the end of the summer season for most families, traffic can get congested on roadways between popular summer destinations.
More drunk drivers are on the road. During Labor Day weekend, 38 percent of fatalities involve an alcohol-impaired driver. A festive weekend always seems to foster drinking. Over-drinking results all too many times in intoxicated drivers getting behind the wheel.
How you can help prevent drunk driving accidents in Wisconsin
There are ways you can help prevent drunk driving accidents in Wisconsin. These include:
Choose a sober designated driver before you start drinking.
Take a cab, Uber or Lyft instead of your car if you are buzzed or ask a sober friend to take you home.
Speak up and don’t let a drunk friend or family member drive you or anyone else anywhere.
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement or call 911.
Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home. Visit tlw.org and click on “SAFERIDE”.
Download the Zero in Wisconsin Drive Sober mobile app.
All of us at Di Renzo & Bomier wish you a happy and safe Labor Day. Please visit our blog to read our other personal injury articles.
The content of this blog was prepared by Law Offices of Di Renzo & Bomier, LLC for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to solicit business or provide legal advice. Laws differ by jurisdiction, and the information in this blog may not apply to you. You should seek the assistance of an attorney licensed to practice in your state before taking any action. Using this blog site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Law Offices of Di Renzo & Bomier, LLC -client relationships can only be created by written contract.
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