Tampa Crash Highlights Drunk Driving Danger During the Holiday Season
Two drivers who both had been drinking were recently involved in a collision in Tampa when one of the drivers went the wrong way down a major street, causing a head-on collision. The accident occurred near midnight and both drivers were hospitalized in critical condition at Tampa General Hospital as a result of their injuries. The accident occurred when a 34-year-old driver who was drunk went the wrong way on State Road 60, a multi-lane thoroughfare in Hillsborough County, when his Jeep Cherokee collided with the victim’s Corvette.
After the collision, the drunk driver’s vehicle overturned, blocking all lanes of traffic temporarily before skidding to a stop on its side on the road’s opposite shoulder. According to a report from the Tampa Bay Reporter, the Corvette’s driver (70 years old) also had been drinking. The accident required closure of the road for more than six hours while police completed their investigation and the wreckage from the accident was cleared away. This accident simply serves as a reminder of why it is so important if you are going to drink at a holiday function, whether it be an office party, family function, or a gathering with friends, to not get behind the wheel. Taking Uber, Lyft, a taxi, or having a designated driver is always an option and the results will be much safer; you will not be putting yourself or anyone else in danger by doing so.
Drinking and Driving Around the Holidays: Never a Good Idea, Particularly in the Face of an Increased Law Enforcement Presence
Drinking and driving is always a bad idea, but can be a particular issue around the holidays. Between office holiday parties, family gatherings and evenings out with friends to celebrate the New Year or other gatherings, the incidence of drivers having several drinks and then getting behind the wheel is very high during the holiday. However, getting behind the wheel after having several drinks puts not only yourself, but other motorists and travelers at great risk if you do so.
According to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) statistics, the number of accidents increases on Florida’s roads during the holidays due both to the number of people traveling during this time as well as those who may choose to drink and get behind the wheel. According to these statistics, the most accidents of any day during the holidays occur on December 22nd, no matter what day of the week the 22nd happens to fall on. This increased number of accidents results in an increased FHP and police presence on many roads throughout Florida to keep travelers and motorists safe. The FHP has announced they will be stepping up patrols and the number of troopers out on the roads in an effort to ensure everyone is safe this holiday season. However, with the increased number of law enforcement personnel on the roads, drivers who drink and then get behind the wheel are much more likely to get caught. Therefore, if keeping yourself and others safe is not sufficient motivation to keep you from getting behind the wheel after having several drinks this holiday season, then consider the potential penalties associated with being pulled over for drunk driving before you choose to drink and drive.
Contact the Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys of Schwed, Adams & McGinley
Drinking and driving is a criminal offense in Florida, but particularly around the holidays, many people still will get behind the wheel after first having had several drinks and attempt to drive themselves home despite the increased law enforcement presence during this time of year. The personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley have over 150 years of combined legal experience representing those who have been injured in a variety of motor vehicle and truck accidents, including those who were injured by a drunk driver during the holidays. Therefore, if you or a loved one are involved in an accident in which someone was drinking in Florida over the holidays this year, please call us today for a free consultation at (877) 694-6079 or email us at contact@schwedlawfirm.com.