As WFTS Tampa Bay recently reported, New Year’s Eve is the most dangerous night on the road. And while Hillsborough County leads the state of Florida in DUI arrests, Pinellas County already experienced a fatal DUI crash the week before New Year’s, when R.L. Fournier of Seminole was hit by a drunk driver in a pickup truck at the intersection of Starkey and Magnolia.
To prevent any other incidents like this from happening before the end of the year, multiple Bay area bars did their part to keep intoxicated motorists from driving on Monday night. Joshua Connell, who owns Five Bucks Drinkery, told WTFS. “I encourage our staff to ask people ‘How are you getting home? What’s your plan? Are you driving?’” “We cut people off if they get too drunk. If somebody is really not looking good, we are going to stick them in a cab or an Uber. We’re going to make sure people get home safe.”
Motorists going out on any New Year’s Eve holiday should be aware that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes goes up from an average of approximately 36 per day to somewhere closer to 90 on New Year’s Day. Moreover, the overall DUI rate around the country rises between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, with the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reporting that 40% of all driving deaths between Christmas and New Year’s stem from drunk driving collisions. AAA has also stated that more pedestrians are killed on New Year’s Day than any other day of the year.
Call Bryan Caulfield for Auto Accident Representation
If you are injured in a DUI-related accident, call Bryan D. Caulfield, Esq. for an experienced Clearwater auto accident attorney. Attorney Caulfield offers 24/7 availability and free consultations, so you always feel heard. And if he doesn’t recover a settlement, there is no fee. When it comes to caring, knowledgeable, and skilled legal service in Clearwater and across Pinellas County, Bryan Caulfield is here for you.
Dial (727) 308-6060 to make an appointment today, or fill out a contact form online.