Marlton, NJ (PRWEB) December 11, 2012
Ugly Christmas sweater parties and office shindigs are no doubt in the future of many Americans as the holidays reach their peak in the coming weeks. As many people flock to these gatherings, where alcohol will undoubtedly be available, organizations and advocacy groups are asking partygoers to consume alcohol responsibly and avoid getting behind the wheel while under the influence. In New Jersey, car accident attorney Richard P. Console Jr. is asking those attending holiday parties to have a plan in place to make sure theres a sober driver on hand or available close by.
Choosing to drive after youve been drinking puts you, the people in your car, and everyone else on the road in serious danger, said Console. The cost of a cab ride is much cheaper than a DWI arrest and it only takes a few minutes to call and schedule one to pick you up.
Authorities in New Jersey cited driving while intoxicated as the major contributing factor in 28 percent of all traffic-related fatalities occurring in the state for 2011.* Data compiled by the state police* shows 72 drivers, 16 passengers, 20 pedestrians, and two pedalcyclists involved in fatal crashes tested positive for some type of drug during the same year. In 2011, there was a 14.7 percent increase in alcohol-related fatalities in New Jersey from the previous, according to the NJ State Police.* As the managing partner of a firm of NJ personal injury attorneys since 1994, Console sees the effects of drunk driving every day. He also has a few recommendations for holiday partiers to avoid adding to these grim statistics.
The impacts an accident involving a drunk driver cant be understated, he said. There are plenty of private services, not just cabs that specialize in transporting intoxicated patrons or party goers. Check your local listing for businesses operating in your area. Theres also something to be said for a group of people pulling their resources for a private driver, be it a limo or other vehicle, or just staying where you are and sleeping it off.
The National Directory of Designated Driver Services provides listings of state-by-state programs available for public use. These programs can provide those whove been drinking with a sober driver to take them home and avoid the risk of operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.
Richard P. Console Jr. is the managing partner of Console & Hollawell P.C., a personal injury law firm representing accident victims across New Jersey. The firms award-winning attorneys have successfully helped more than 5,000 clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries, including those injured due to the actions of drunk drivers.
*http://www.njsp.org/info/stats.html