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RIP 2020, But Careful How You Celebrate

Joseph Paulozzi
December 2, 2020

Here at the end of 2020, amidst all the fittingly chaotic memes and publicized quarantine breakdowns, I’m sure everyone will be perfectly happy to stay inside, practice social distancing, and avoid all gatherings over the holidays.However, if you shuddered while reading that last bit, you might be thinking a sparkly bottle would really go well with that sparkly ball dropping down in Times Square. RIP 2020. Please take your murder hornets with you.I can’t remember, do we drink every time we see someone with their nose sticking out of their mask or because of them?In all seriousness, if you are one of the lucky ones to have made it through the year, be careful on roads. Drunk driving is one of those statistics we hear about all the time, but somehow the numbers just keep going up. Driving under the influence puts you and everyone around you in danger. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a drunk driver, please call us now. When you need a car accident attorney in Cleveland, Ohio, contact us at Paulozzi LPA. We are here for you in this uncertain time in your life.

Two Alcohol-related Accidents Happen Simultaneously

On November 5th, officers responded to two accidents. One vehicle struck a mailbox mounted on bricks, the other struck a fire hydrant and garbage cans. Both were arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.While both drivers had only minor injuries, the accidents could have been far worse. In Ohio, the statistics are against us.

  • 2.2% of people admit to driving after drinking too much
  • That is above the national average of 1.9%
  • 3,637 have been killed in car accidents involving a drunk driver between 2003-2012
  • People aged 21-34 are the most likely to be killed in a drunk driving accident

If the spread of internet memes and Tic-Tok videos are any indications, we are all looking for some comradery at the end of such a hard year. For some of us, quarantine has been lonely. For others, we’ve watched “Lord of the Flies” play out with our kids and wish we spent more of our Christmas money on ibuprofen. We could be looking at a glass of champagne or a shot of tequila the way Vin Diesel looks at a new franchise. If you do partake, don’t drive. There are enough ride-sharing apps out now to be your DD. Stay safe.

Don’t Just Look Out for Yourself, Know When to Spot an Intoxicated Driver

Whether you are at a party, bar, restaurant, or a family gathering, be aware of the people around you and who might be trying to drive while intoxicated. First off, if they say they’re not drunk, just buzzed, it is ok to speak up and let them know any impairment could be deadly. We don’t have to be an exaggerated version of drunk to hurt people on the road. In fact:

  • At .03 blood alcohol, our attention is divided, choice reaction time is affected, tracking and steering are impaired, and our emergency response is slowed.
  • At .05, our information processing, judgement, and coordination are slowed.
  • At .08, the limit, our speed control, and ability to focus are severely impaired.

It can be awkward being the one to speak up when someone insists they can drive. If you are at a bar or restaurant and simply don’t feel comfortable, please inform the bartender or manager. If you are with family, I have never been ashamed to hide a key or two in the breadbox. They never look under the bagels.

Let’s All Be Safe at the End of this Year and On to the Next

Let’s don our homemade and rhinestone face masks and celebrate new beginnings. Let’s toast and smile and give ourselves a little break. Most of all, let’s drink and ride-share our way home safely.However, if you were involved in a car accident involving an impaired driver, please let us help. Our knowledgeable team of attorneys can help guide you through the ordeal of a car accident in Cleveland, Ohio. Contact Paulozzi LPA today for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.

Joseph Paulozzi
December 2, 2020
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