December means Christmas parties, social gatherings, and inclement weather.  Put these together and statistically you have one the deadliest months of the year to be driving Missouri roads.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in December 2007, almost 1000 motorists were wrongfully killed on the nation's roadways due to the carelessness of a drunk driver.  The NHTSA considers a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher as being 'drunk'.  In Missouri, you will be arrested for operating a motor vehicle with a B.A.C. of .08 or higher.NHTSA Driving Statistics.pdf.   

In the state of Missouri last December there were 68 incidents of automobile collisions and tractor-trailer crashes that resulted in a wrongful death.  21 of these fatalities involved a driver who was impaired by alcohol (.08 BAC or higher).  Couple drunken driving with slick roads and there is a fair chance that catastrophic personal injuries may result.  The Missouri Department of Transportation Safety and local authorities are ramping up enforcement of laws so don't take a chance and incarceration, serious personal injury, or even death. 

Some safe tips to keep in mind when navigating Missouri roads in the month of December:

• If you plan to attend a Christmas party, make riding arrangements before you even get to the party
• Contact your local MADD or SADD organizations to arrange for a sober driver
• When approaching intersections at night, even if the light is green pay special attention to all incoming means of traffic in case someone fails to stop or is sliding on slick roads while attempting to stop
• If you notice another driver that is acting impaired, contact local authorities and report the license plate number and make of the vehicle.  However, do not attempt to follow/pursue the impaired driver yourself
• Call a Taxi...its the easiest way to guarantee a sober ride home

If you have been injured in an automobile accident or truck crash, seek medical treatment immediately and then contact St. Louis accident and Missouri injury lawyer Stephen Schultz to discuss your case.  His injury lawyers never charge attorneys fees unless they are successful in the prosecution of your personal injury claim.

Injury victims may also visit our website, Schultz Legal Group, for helpful information to assist in the handling of these types of claims.