Drunk Driving
Safe Driving Must Be a Priority During Holiday Season
Dangers increase for drivers in the period between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. There is more traffic on the road, drivers are often growing accustomed again to operating in the snow and many people are drinking and driving. These factors often lead to an increase in motor vehicle accidents.
The Boston motor vehicle accident lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck, urge you to drive safely and offer these tips:
For Drivers and Passengers
- The driver and all passengers should wear seat belts.
- Have a Designated Driver.
- Carry the phone number for a cab company. Call them beforehand to ask any questions so you are not reluctant to call them later.
- Consider taking public transportation, such as a bus or subway if available.
- Stop drinking a few hours before you plan to leave.
- Stay where you are until you are sober enough to drive.
- Travel slow. More drivers and pedestrians may be on the roads for the holidays.
- If possible, familiarize yourself with your driving route during daylight hours and before the holiday.
- Parents should limit the driving of teenagers on the holidays to avoid car accidents.
For Party Hosts
- Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Have a cab company’s phone number ready.
- Stop serving alcohol early.
- In Massachusetts, you have a legal responsibility to make sure your guests do not leave your home under the influence. If you are hosting a party and serving alcohol, learn about the Massachusetts social host liability law.
Parents Reminded of Social Host Liability in Prom Season
It is prom and graduation season, an important time for parents to speak to their teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving. While the priority is on our children’s safety, parents also need to understand social host liability in Massachusetts if underage drinkers consume alcohol in their home.
It is well known that anyone under 21 who drinks alcohol in Massachusetts can be charged criminally, as can anyone who furnishes alcohol to a person under 21. But many people do not know that under the state’s social host responsibility law , there are serious consequences for parents who allow teens and their friends to consume alcohol in their homes. Parents may face imprisonment and fines under the law as well as civil penalties.
“The most important reason to follow this law is the safety of our children and other travelers on the road,” said Boston personal injury attorney Marc L. Breakstone, who has experience handling Massachusetts social host liability cases. “Even if the parents are not home and not aware of the illegal consumption of alcohol in their homes, they can still be criminally and civilly liable under this law.”
Click here to read more about the Massachusetts social host responsibility law from the Boston, Massachsuetts premises liability lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck.
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