Over the last few months fellow I-35 blog pack members have discussed various aspects about collisions and accidents that occur along the I-35 corridor. With Christmas fast approaching I wanted to take a moment and discuss the increased risk of drinking and driving that we have found prevalent during this holiday season.
Christmas parties, family meetings and other social events provide a greater opportunity for people who socially drink to be involved in an alcohol related car wreck. As many know, just a few drinks can impair a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Pursuant to Oklahoma law, a person cannot operate a car, truck or any motorized vehicle when their blood alcohol level is 0.08 or greater. Facts show that even two beers can result in excess blood alcohol content for certain individuals.
Like many metropolitan areas, downtown Oklahoma City offers a plethora of establishments where Christmas parties and holiday events are held. Of course I-35 connects Oklahoma City with Norman, Moore and Edmond as well as much of the surrounding area. Over the years we have seen more and more deadly collisions occurring on this stretch of highway during the holiday season. These car accidents are typically caused by individuals who consumed too much alcohol at a holiday party.
However, simple recitation of a fact most people are aware of is insufficient to curtail bad holiday habits. As parents do with children, we must make ourselves aware of the consequences of this particular bad behavior in order to provide a strong foundation to avoid bad decisions such as drinking and driving. So remember, if you choose to drink and drive and cause an accident wherein someone dies, you can be charged with manslaughter. You will most likely go to prison, lose your job, lose time with your family, have a criminal record that will make finding employment difficult if and when you are released and be unable to drive for many years thus making the use of a Schwinn bicycle as your main modem of transportation more probable given most of us can’t afford a chauffeur.
My point is simple. There are real life consequences for drinking and driving. The risk is greater this time year. Use good judgment.
For questions you have about these collisions and to read previous posts from our blog pack contact or visit our websites and the websites of:
Steve Lombardi, 4200 Corporate Drive, Suite 112, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 Tel: 515-222-1110
Schuelke, C Brooks, 1717 W 6th St # 375, Austin, TX (512) 476-4944
Mike Bryant, 1505 Division Street | Waite Park, Minnesota 56387 | T: 320.259.5414
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One Comment
Mike Bryant
My understanding from talking to the local police is that some nights like New Years people know they are going to drink, but holiday parties, family get togethers and sudden meet ups with old friends are what get people out with out plans. They drink and lose their judgment. Dui's and highway deaths go up. Hopefully, the message will keep getting out.
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