Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer. But according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it's also one of the deadliest times on the road. Smart Start of Alabama begs you to stay safe during holiday fun.
Avoid being an unfortunate statistic
The NHTSA offers these 4 tips to stay safe:
- If you are planning to drink, plan ahead for a sober ride home. It’s not okay to drink and drive, even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage.
- If you are using any impairing drugs, including marijuana, don’t drive, arrange for a safe ride home. Impaired driving is illegal, regardless of the source of impairment.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
- Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
What are we celebrating at those Labor Day parties?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Celebrated on the first Monday in September, it's a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Getting caught driving impaired can certainly jeopardize your own social and economic situations, and it can even cause issues with your job.
You'll have to do a lot more laboring to pay the costs of a DUI
On average, a DUI can set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing, and more. Drinking and driving could cause you to lose your driver’s license and your vehicle. This could inhibit you from getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss. A DUI law is not something you want to break.
Drunk driving can quickly take the fun out of your celebrations
Labor Day is often celebrated with parades, sporting events, picnics or cook-outs, and swim parties. Go ahead and celebrate! Just make sure you do so safely. If you feel different, you drive different. For more ideas on celebrating life safely, follow our blog.
