Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
Maine is a long way from Super Bowl XLV in Texas this weekend but football fans are still going to tune into the game — whether its the commercials or one last football fix your’re after,sSuper Bowl parties have become an American tradition.
However, they also increase the risk of car accidents in Portland, Bangor and elsewhere in the state.We wish you a safe and enjoyable weekend of parties, good snacks, lots of laughs, and great memories. Our Maine personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates alsosencourage fans to drink and drive responsibly this Super Bowl Sunday.
In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a total of 159 total traffic fatalities in Maine. Just over a third of these fatalities occurred as a result of one driver having a BAC of .01 or higher. There were 106 traffic fatalities reported in which no BAC level was present.
Nationally, 32% of all traffic fatalities (33,808) involved an alcohol-impaired driver with a BAC of .08 or higher. An alcohol-related traffic fatality occurred on average about every 48 minutes in the U. . in 2009. The age group most at risk nationally for alcohol-related crashes is 21-24 year-olds. In this age group, 35% of the drivers in fatal crashes had a BAC over the legal limit.
“Football is one of America’s favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in serious danger if they don’t plan ahead,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said. “Whether you’re at the game or watching from a sports bar or a friend’s house, designate a sober driver before the game. And remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”
Fans attending a Super Bowl party or watching from a restaurant or bar should practice the following suggestions:
-Before the party begins, designate the driver who will remain sober.
-If you plan to drink, leave your keys at home so there is no temptation to get behind the wheel while you are intoxicated.
-If you drink, pace yourself by not drinking too fast, alternating between non-alcoholic beverages, and stopping plenty early before you drive home.
-Place the number of a friend or cab company in your wallet who you can call if you have had too much to drink.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maine car accident involving a drunk driver, contact Peter Thompson & Associates in Portland or Bangor to discuss your rights. For consultations and advice call 1-800-804-2004 to discuss your case.