While Super Bowl Sunday will not be as chaotic with the Bears out of the picture, the fact remains that the biggest football day of the year is also among the most dangerous days for Chicago car accidents caused by drunk drivers.
Our Chicago personal injury lawyers urge party hosts and football fans to celebrate responsibly, designate a driver and avoid drinking and driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is partnering with the NFL, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a number of other organizations in promoting the safety campaign, “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.” “Football is one of America’s favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in serious danger if they don’t plan ahead,” said David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator.” Whether you’re at the game or watching from a sports bar or a friend’s house, designate a sober driver before the game. And remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”
Nationwide, about one-third of all traffic fatalities involves a drunk driver. Nationwide, about 11,000 people a year are killed in drunk driving accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Alcohol involvement was cited in more than 4 in 10 fatal crashes in Illinois in 2009, accounting for 381 of 911 fatalities.
The following safety tips have been adapted from information provided by the NHTSA:
-Leave your keys at home if you plan to drink and have a plan before setting out for the evening.
-Put the phone numbers for local cab companies in your phone.
-If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
-Never serves drinks to a guest under the age of 21.
-Set a time to stop serving alcohol, say at the end of the third quarter or an hour before the end of the coffee. Serve coffee and dessert.
-Do what’s necessary to prevent a party guest from drinking and driving.
-Have a place for guests to spend the night if necessary.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Chicago DUI car accident, the Illinois personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free case evaluations. Call (866) 99-ABELS to speak to a lawyer now.