PREVENTING DEADLY CAR ACCIDENTS AFTER CHRISTMAS PARTIES

It's time for Christmas parties once again. Whether it is the company's Christmas party or a party with family and friends, it is important that your planning includes not just what to wear, but how to be safe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 15,000 Americans lost their lives each year as a result of alcohol-related car accidents. That's one life about every 32 minutes. The Christmas season often shows an increase in these numbers.

Being a responsible party planner is a simple way of taking a stand against losing a friend or family member in a car accident this holiday season. Whether the party is an office party or a party in a private home, someone must be responsible for regulating the alcohol consumption, especially for drivers.

One holiday party tip is to know who is driving. Take these simple steps to assure that only unimpaired drivers leave your party:

1. Give "Designated Driver" or "No thanks, I'm Driving" lapel stickers to drivers to wear during the party. A person can be creative and make their own stickers.
   
   
2. Have a car keys "check-in." Collect and tag each guest's car keys, and at the conclusion of the party, only return keys to designated drivers.
   
   
3. Have guests sign up for alternate transportation at the beginning of the party in case they decide to drink. Alternative transportation might include calling a family member, neighbor, taxi, police, or Tow-to-Go (sponsored by Budweiser & AAA)

Food and drink selection is also very important. Follow these tips for you at a party or your guests if you are planning a party:

1. Serve food that is high in protein and carbohydrates. Foods like cheeses and meats are especially good. These foods stay in the stomach longer, which slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.
   
   
2. Make sure a variety of beverages are available for guests, including drinks that are non-alcoholic. Beverages could include non-alcoholic eggnog and a variety of punch recipes.

As a party planner, you share the responsibility for making certain each guest returns home alive. Although you may not be legally liable if your guest get killed or kills someone else in a car accident, you will feel morally liable.

Have a great time at the holiday parties! Just do it safely!

If you or a friend is injured because someone else failed to take safety steps resulting in a car accident, click here to contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Remember, the other person's insurance company has lawyers working for them--so should you!