$10,000 Glass of Eggnog?

The average cost of a DUI is $10,000 - is that extra glass of eggnog worth it?

The holiday season is upon us, bringing a packed social calendar filled with ugly sweater parties, company holiday events and champagne toasts. Unfortunately, the number of alcohol-related car accidents spikes in the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. In addition, local and state law enforcement officer across the nation are participating in a "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign to prevent impaired driving by increasing the number of checkpoints during the holiday season.

Some sobering facts about impaired driving during the holidays:

• 733 people died in accidents involving a drunk driver in December 2013
• An average of 572 lives were lost over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend every year from 1998 to 2008
• There are typically 33% more DUI arrests during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day
• Around 25,000 people are injured every year in accidents with drunk drivers during the holidays
• If you are hosting a party where alcohol is being served, you can be held financially responsible for any damage caused by any impaired guests after they leave your event

All it takes is a little pre-party planning to avoid a holiday tragedy.  Share these tips with your customers:

• Take the keys from everyone when they get their first drink
• Choose one person in the group to be the designated driver, who will not consume any alcohol
• Bring cash for a cab (or take a cab to the event)
• Get a ride from Uber or Lyft
• Call a sober friend or family member
• Stick with a "one drink per hour" rule if simultaneously eating food

Of course the best way to avoid an accident is to not drink any alcohol if you plan on driving home. Save yourself $10,000 (and possibly someone's life) just by planning ahead. If something does happen to any of your customers during the holiday season, our team will guide you through the entire claim process and get you back on the road as soon as possible.