Posts Tagged ‘Planning’

As Holiday Invitations Come In, Start Planning to Prevent Homestead Drunk Driving Accidents

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

During this time of year, many Homestead residents are getting invitations to work holiday parties as well as holiday get-togethers from friends and family. While it’s exciting to get invitations and to schedule them into your planner, this is also a good opportunity to make sure that you plan ahead for safety.

Holiday parties are a cause of concern for local law enforcement, since alcohol served at holiday parties can lead some motorists to make poor decisions, leading to Homestead drunk driving accidents. Homestead car accidents involving alcohol do typically increase during the holiday season in many years, according to authorities. Sometimes, drivers simply make poor decisions after drinking at a holiday party and the consequences can be tragic. Each year, people sustain serious Homestead head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities due to drunk driving.

You can help prevent these types of tragedies by planning well in advance. When you get an invitation for a holiday party, don’t just consider whether you can attend or whether the party fits into your schedule. Also plan ahead to determine how you can get home safely. For example, one of the things you want to consider is whether the party will be alcohol free or whether alcohol will be served. If alcohol will be served, consider how you will get home safely.

To do this, consider where the party is held. If the party is held at your workplace, find out whether your employer will be providing a way to get home safely. Consider public transportation as a way to get home safely, but also consider when the party will be ending. The party may and well after public transportation is no longer available. If this is the case, you will need a list of local cab companies as well as cash on hand so that you can call for a taxicab after the party.

Be especially alert for parties that can end late and for parties that are in remote locations. Often, these are the most challenging if you will be drinking. Taxicabs from remote locations may be more expensive and public transportation may not be available late at night or in remote areas. Hotel rooms and motel rooms may also not be available in these areas. Therefore, you will need to plan ahead and arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up. You may also want to have a list of cab companies on hand as well as extra money to get home safely. Or, you can make arrangements with your host in order to stay at their home after drinking. Planning ahead can reduce the risk that you will be involved in a Homestead traffic accident simply because you didn’t plan ahead and ran out of options when it was late and you found yourself far away from an easy way to get home.

Keep in mind that after a party where you have been drinking you may feel tired and anxious to get home. This makes it easier for you to make a bad decision. To avoid being in a Homestead traffic accident caused by drunk driving, make it easy for yourself to do the right thing. Plan ahead and have more than one way to get home safe. Better yet, consider leaving your car at home and take a cab to the party so that you are not tempted to drive home after you have been drinking.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Planning a Road Trip This Summer? Here’s How to Avoid Florida Car Accidents on the Road

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

Summer is a great time to pack up the car and hit the road. Many Floridians are choosing road trips over more complicated air travel due to costs. A car is a great way to explore the state and regions across the US, but road trips can lead to Miami car accidents. To avoid a Florida car collision, make sure that you:

1) Plan a sober trip. Miami drunk driving accidents are still a major cause of fatalities and on a road trip it can be tempting to unwind after a long day of driving with a beer. Designate a driver or resolve to avoid drinking until you get to your destination.

2) Bring the right number of passengers. An extra passenger or two can actually help you prevent a Miami traffic accident by taking over the driving when you are tired. An extra passenger can also take over reading the directions and street signs, so that you can focus on driving rather than trying to find your destination. However, too many passengers can be a distraction. Aim for one or two passengers per car.

3) Be careful about overloading the car, especially in ways that obscure visibility. Putting too much in your car can overload the tires and make you more prone to tire blow outs. Passenger cars that are overburdened with extra weight can also handle less easily. Just as overloaded trucks are more prone to Miami truck accidents, too heavy cars can also be more at risk. Adding a trailer is not necessarily safer, either, since a trailer poses its own risks. Where possible, aim to travel light. Try to place as many items as possible in the trunk of the car, where they will not obstruct your ability to see out the windows of your car. Keeping items in your car can also prove dangerous if you are in a car accident and the items become airborne. In this situation, any items in your car can cause Miami brain injuries and other serious injuries as they become projectiles.

4) Plan to drive distraction-free. Either plan your route ahead of time or have a passenger take care of guiding you. Checking your GPS or a map while driving is dangerous. Turn off your cell phone and mobile device before you start to drive and pull over if you need to check a map.

5) Plan ahead to stop and take rests. Professional truck drivers know that fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of Miami truck accidents. Driving too long before taking a break can cause you to drift off at the wheel. Make sure that you plan your route so that there are places to stop for a coffee and a stretch. At night, check in somewhere where you can get a good night’s sleep so that you can continue on your way refreshed and safe.

6) Get your car tuned up before you go. Mechanical failure on the road can delay your trip. More seriously, losing control of your car because something goes wrong with your brakes or tires can cause a Miami pedestrian accident or traffic accident. Take care of any problems with your car before you go.

7) Get yourself prepared to drive comfortably. Driving long distances is physically taxing. Keep water and chewing gum in your car, as well as a sweater and sunglasses. Make sure that you have these items so that you can stay comfortable and focused on the road rather than distracted by your own discomfort.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Planning a Summer Road Trip? Tips to Stay Safe

Sunday, June 5th, 2011

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip. Whether you are headed across the country or just across the state, however, use these tips to avoid a Florida car accident during your vacation:

1) Make sure your car is ready for the road. Some cars are simply not fit for long road trips. Before you go, take your car to a trusted mechanic for a basic tune-up and a check of major systems. Get your fluids changed and your tires and brakes checked to ensure that your car is ready for the journey.

2) Plan your trip carefully. Map out your trip carefully, making sure to note rest stops, hotels, and alternative routes in case main routes prove impassable. Online communities are a great way to plan a trip. Make sure that you note any hazards on your route – such as mountainous areas or areas known for fog – so that you are prepared.

3) Pack the essentials. In a small duffel bag, you should pack the items that you need to drive safe. These items should include snacks and bottled water, a blanket, a map, sunscreen, a hat, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a cell phone (which should be turned off while you drive). Having everything you may need in one place makes it easier to pull over to the side of the road and find the essentials when you need one of these items.

4) Give all passengers a job to do. Passengers can be a great distraction on the road, so give your passengers a game to play or have them trace the route on a map. This is especially important for small children, who can squabble and be very distracting when bored. If you are traveling with children, pack an iPod of music, games, and other distractions.

5) Take your time. Giving yourself plenty of time ensures that you are not trying to drive for hours at a time. When planning your trip, schedule a short break every hour, as well as time for meals plus a good night of sleep at a hotel or motel. Good breaks can make you less likely to be fatigued and therefore dangerous on the road.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Planning Holiday Parties? Plan Now to Prevent Florida Drunk Driving Accidents

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

If you are planning on having holiday parties or get-togethers at your home, now is the time to start planning to ensure that none of your guests are in a Florida car accident after your party. Remember: if you serve alcohol and one of your guests causes a Florida drunk driving accident, you could be held partly liable for the accident. You don’t want to cause a fatality or serious injury and you certainly don’t want to become involved in a legal action. The only solution is to start planning.

Consider ways to ensure that your guests do not drive drunk. You could avoid serving alcohol entirely, or stop serving alcohol early. If you live in a remote location, consider having enough bedding and space for every guest to spend the night. This way, anyone who is intoxicated would not have to drive. Contact taxi and shuttle services before your party to find out how much transportation would cost. Some driving services provide special flat rates at the holidays. They will drive your guests to and from your party for a flat fee.

Another option is to designate drivers or to create your own shuttle service. Have two or three people abstain from drinking entirely and have these volunteers shuttle your guests back home as needed. Hotels and local motels may also offer group rates to ensure that your guests do not drink and drive. Consider having taxi cash, taxi numbers, and a few alternatives on hand.

Even if you plan to have a few options available to ensure that guests do not drive drunk, however, you will also need to plan to ensure that guests are monitored. You need to have a plan in place to keep guests from driving drunk. At a busy party, it can be difficult to spot every guest heading for their cars, so plan ahead. Consider having all guests deposit their car keys when they arrive at your house, for example. Consider having someone walk each guest to their cars after the party, to ensure that they show no signs of intoxication.

Another great option is to offer breathalyzer key chains as party favors or small gifts. It is an easy and simple way to evaluate intoxication. Another option is to simply observe guests and to note who is drinking how much. At small parties, it’s relatively easy to monitor overall consumption. This is one reason why you may want to keep get-together small. Working with guests to help them make good choices can help you save the lives of your friends and family so that they can visit your holiday events next year, too.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Planning A Rehab Program For Drug Addiction In Texas For A Loved One

Tuesday, January 15th, 2008

The first thing that you will have to do in order to get a loved one into addiction treatment in Texas is to get them convinced for the treatment. However, the rate of denial is quite high in the state.
Alcohol Abuse Center Information