From in-home fiestas to Mexican restaurants overflowing with well-intentioned party-goers looking for some good food and good times, Cinco de Mayo has quickly become a nationwide celebration of food, friends and alcohol. Cinco de Mayo can be a big
night out for many, particularly among young adults. But it is also a very dangerous night out because of alcohol-impaired drivers.
Unfortunately, too often the party ends with alcohol-related crashes, injuries and fatalities when people don’t use good judgment and drive after drinking.
From 2007 to 2011, 38 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities that occurred each year around May 5 involved impaired drivers or motorcycle operators with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 and above, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). And unfortunately, 80 percent of the alcohol impaired fatalities involved a driver or motorcycle operator with nearly twice the legal limit of .15.
If you’re planning to celebrate, consider the following tips:
- Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and you; or just stay where you are until you are sober.
- Buckle up—it’s a great defense against other impaired drivers.
The staff at Allen & Furr wish you a happy Cinco de Mayo. Stay Safe!
Resources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Insurance Information Institute