How to Avoid a DUI Accident on a Road Trip

Posted on behalf of RizkLaw on Apr 10, 2023 in Auto Accident

It’s finally that time of year to enjoy time off and explore new and exciting places. A road trip with family or friends is always a whirlwind of adventures. When driving long hours crammed into a vehicle, the last thing you want to worry about is negligent and intoxicated drivers. Unfortunately, there is always the possibility of coming into contact with a drunk driver—especially if you’re driving early in the morning or late at night. 

An accident with a drunk driver can cause you and others in the vehicle to suffer severe, life-threatening injuries. Suddenly, your once fun and exciting road trip can transform into a horrendous event. If you suffer in a motor vehicle accident due to a drunk driver, you have the right to receive compensation for your pain, injuries, and property damage. 

5 Ways to Avoid Drunk Drivers on Road Trips

It’s impossible to 100% prevent an accident from happening, but there are various precautions you can take to reduce your likelihood and protect yourself. Consider our five suggestions on how to avoid drunk drivers on your road trip:

Avoid Driving Late Into the Night

Since most intoxicated drivers are coming from a bar, restaurant, or social gathering, they are likely to drive late at night or early in the morning. These times are also dangerous due to lower visibility levels. While you can encounter a drunk driver at any time, intoxicated drivers are more likely to be on the road at these times. 

Keep Space Between Vehicles

When alcohol enters the bloodstream, a person loses control of their motor functions and will often swerve between lanes of break unexpectedly. Leaving distance between vehicles may protect you from rear-ending a vehicle that breaks suddenly or avoiding a serving vehicle. 

Take a Break From Driving

When fatigue starts to set in as the hours increase, you may become less aware of your surroundings. If you’ve ever been driving and suddenly made it to your destination without remembering how you got there, you’ve experienced brain fog. This can be extremely dangerous and cause you to not realize when a drunk driver is near your vehicle.

Slow Your Speed

Many studies show how driving at higher speeds leads to more significant damage in accidents. While you may want to reach your destination as soon as possible, nothing is more important than your safety as well as your passengers. If you are speeding and encounter an intoxicated driver, an accident may result in fatal injuries. 

Stay Focused on the Road

Screaming children, switching playlists, eating snacks, and unfamiliar billboards are all distractions that can lead to serious accidents while on a road trip. It’s essential that you stay focused on the road in front of you. Staying focused and aware of your surroundings will significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering a drunk driver.

If you suffer severe injuries and property damage from a drunk driver, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. You have the right to recover the losses resulting from the accident. Medical bills, loss of experience, and rehabilitation fees may all be recoverable with the assistance of a legal professional.

Speak With a Compassionate and Responsive Car Accident Lawyer Today

When you’re looking forward to new experiences and enjoying a planned vacation, suffering in a car accident is physically, emotionally, and financially painful. You deserve to receive justice for the losses you suffer due to someone else’s irresponsible and inexcusable actions. The medical fees, prescription medication costs, and vehicle maintenance are all recoverable losses you can receive monetary compensation for when you partner with Attorney Richard Rizk. 

Our award-winning Rizk Law lawyers have years of combined experience protecting and recovering compensation for clients. We are known in our community as a firm that treats clients like family and does everything in our power to provide the best possible outcome.

Schedule a call with Attorney Richard Rizk by calling (503) 245-5677 or completing our contact form today.