The pandemic caused many Americans to develop wanderlust and seek outside experiences. Many families are taking road trips this summer even as gas prices continue to increase across the nation.

Most of our nation’s DUI accidents occur in the summer, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). August is the deadliest month of the year, having more DUI crashes than any other month, including July which has many July 4^th celebrations.

Summer is when many Americans relax and enjoy the company of others and may partake in alcoholic beverages. Younger drivers representing 27 percent of drunk drivers are at an even higher risk for being involved in drunk driving accidents, according to the NHTSA.

We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. urge drivers to be vigilant and watch out for drunk and/or drugged drivers sharing the roads. Here are some signs from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of potentially dangerous driving caused by drunk or drugged drivers that include drivers who:

• Quickly accelerate or decelerate
• Tailgate
• Weave or zigzag across the road
• Drive anywhere other than on a road designated for vehicles
• Almost strike an object, curb, or vehicle
• Stop without cause or erratically brake
• Drift in and out of traffic lanes 

We encourage bicyclists and pedestrians to be extremely careful during the summer months, especially if they suspect a drunk driver is near them. They may even consider contacting the police if they suspect a drunk driver is on the road. 

Avoiding distraction is imperative when driving because drunk drivers may be anywhere. To avoid distractions, drivers should:

• Put cellphones and other handheld devices into glove compartments and consoles.
• Never wear headphones when driving.
• Parents and caregivers should frequently talk to their teen drivers about the serious dangers of drinking and driving; strict rules should be enforced.
• Seat belts should always be worn.

NHTSA Drunk Driving Statistics

• One alcohol-related death occurs every 52 minutes in the U.S.
• Drunk driving accidents are responsible for 10,000 deaths every year, and about 1/3 of all traffic-related deaths.
• In a recent year, more than 230 children were killed in drunk-driving crashes.
• Drinking and driving costs more than $44 billion in deaths and damages annually.
• At the end of 2020, 26.8 percent of drivers that were killed or seriously injured in a crash had alcohol in their bloodstream.
• In 2020, the number of fatal accidents involving alcohol was up 9 percent compared to 2019, even though drivers traveled 13 percent fewer miles overall.
• About 68 percent of alcohol-related fatalities happen at night and 28 percent happen during the daytime.

Fort Myers DUI accident attorney assists DUI accident victims.

For many years, Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney Randall Spivey and his team have been assisting Florida DUI accident victims with their personal injury or wrongful death cases. Here are what a couple of our accident clients have said about working with Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.:

• I will never regret the day I made that phone call to the Spivey Law Firm to handle my case. They took and handled my case like I was a member of their own family. They exceeded my expectations. Their professionalism works like magic. One advice I have for you, be patient and trust them. I can't give you details, but I can ensure you that you will not regret hiring them. I highly recommend that law firm! Thank you, guys! – BD 

• I had an excellent experience with this law firm! They took very good care of me during my case, very responsive to my questions/concerns, guiding me through the process, and always so friendly!! Look nowhere else, Spivey Law Firm is the best!!! – RENE B.

Should you or a loved one be injured in a DUI accident because of the negligence of another, please contact us at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com.