That Extra Holiday Party Drink Could Cost You $10,000!

The average cost of a Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI) conviction is $10,000. Is it worth that extra drink at the party?

  The holiday season is upon us, bringing a packed social calendar filled with ugly sweaters, 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 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 impaired guests after they leave your event.

All it takes is a little pre-party planning to avoid a holiday tragedy. Some tips:

• • 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 more 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 to give you a ride home.
• • 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 you or a family member, SAV-ON Insurance will guide you through the entire claim process and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

  Most of us can't afford to spend $10,000 on court costs and attorney fees, so heed the advice of law enforcement to "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" this holiday season!

 Source: National General Insurance Co.