High Rates of Drinking During Pandemic Increases DUI Car Accident Risks
Everyone deals with the stress of the coronavirus pandemic in their own way. While some are pursuing various healthy hobbies and activities, others are engaging in potentially harmful behaviors. Although what you do in the privacy of your home is your own business, drinking too much is a problem when you get behind the wheel of a car. That said, high rates of drinking during this pandemic is increasing DUI car accident risks. To protect yourself from personal injuries, it is important to be aware of the dangers and the steps you need to take if an accident occurs.
Alcohol Use Increases During Coronavirus Pandemic
Increasing numbers of people are turning to alcohol as a way of dealing with the stress, fear, and boredom they are experiencing during the coronavirus pandemic. According to an April 2020 article, sales of alcohol are up nearly 30% since stay-at-home orders went into effect. In addition to what is being purchased in stores, online sales of alcohol products have increased dramatically as well. In an effort to prop up the hard-hit service industry, South Carolina Governor McMasters has even allowed beer and wine to be sold by restaurants as a part of to-go orders, as have other states across the country.
While there is nothing wrong with having a few drinks to relax, a situation such as the pandemic can end up resulting in large numbers of people engaging in problematic drinking behaviors. In addition to endangering their own health and well-being, these people also put others at risk when they make the decision to get behind the wheel.
Drunk driving can involve people you would be least likely to suspect. For instance, on April 16, 2020, an Aiken County Public Safety officer was fired from her job and cited for driving under the influence (DUI) after being found at fault for a car accident at Mt. Beulah Road and Highway 278. Fortunately, no one else was involved or injured in the crash.
Protecting Yourself Against DUI Drivers During The Pandemic
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that driving under the influence continues to be one of the leading causes of car accidents and injuries, killing as many as 30 people a day. As a driver, it is important to refrain from getting behind the wheel if you have any amount of alcohol in your system. On the road, be alert for possible drunk drivers going at erratic speeds or weaving in and out of their lane. If a DUI accident does occur, follow these steps:
Report it to the police immediately
Get driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information for the driver
Take photos of the accident scene
Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Contact Our Aiken Car Accident Attorney
High rates of drinking during the coronavirus pandemic is increasing DUI car accident risks. When drunk drivers leave you suffering serious injuries, the Surasky Law Firm, LLC. helps you hold them accountable in a claim. To request a consultation, contact our Aiken car accident attorney today.
