With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Phoenix residents are gearing up for the fun, food and festivities. If you want the Big Game to be one to remember, then you should plan ahead to keep you, your family and your friends safe – especially when travelling on the road.
Drunk driving rates skyrocket on Super Bowl Sunday. Various studies have shown that drunk driving violations jump an average of 22% on Superbowl Sunday alone. It has also been found that states with a team in the game can see numbers double or even triple compared to usual Sunday rates. If you do not plan to drink and drive, it is critical that you maintain your vigilance – because nobody can control the actions of other motorists.
Many people do not realize that they can prevent accidents even if they are not behind the wheel. As a passenger, it is important to minimize distractions, such as cell phone use, talking and backseat driving, because these behaviors can increase the likelihood of a collision.
Unfortunately, even the safest drivers can fall victim to the negligence of other motorists. If you were in an accident that another driver caused in Arizona, then contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm.
A Scottsdale personal-injury lawyer from our firm can gather evidence, talk to witnesses and guide you through the claims process. We can help you avoid critical mistakes such as admitting fault or settling for an amount that is less than what you deserve.
Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
Read on to learn four ways that passengers can help drivers avoid accidents on Super Bowl Sunday:
- Stay off Your Cell Phone
You may be tempted to check the score – especially if you are not the driver – but passengers who use cell phones can actually distract the person behind the wheel. Cell phones are noisy. Notification alerts, ringing, YouTube videos, game sounds and even the emanating light is enough to distract a driver. It is especially important that you refrain from asking the driver to look at text messages, videos and images.
- Do Not Be Backseat Driver
You may be pumped – and slightly intoxicated – on Super Bowl Sunday, but do not distract your driver. One surefire way to add unnecessary stress is to backseat drive, which can increase the likelihood of a wreck. The driver must be calm enough to make critical, split-second decisions safely, and it is your job as a passenger to trust his or her ability to do so.
Passengers should show respect with calm behavior, especially when travelling with a young, inexperienced driver. Do not get rowdy with other passengers, and never encourage the driver to travel faster than his or her comfort zone allows.
- Be Alert
Although you should never backseat drive, keep a lookout for signs of intoxication from other motorists. Inform the driver so that he or she can stay away from that vehicle.
- Be Respectful
Do not horseplay or talk loudly. This can distract the driver long enough to cause an accident. Staying quiet and respectful will allow the driver to focus on the road and notice upcoming hazards.
Unfortunately, no matter how responsible you are as either a passenger or driver, some accidents are simply unavoidable.
If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, then contact the Rudolph Hammond Law Firm. Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation with a Scottsdale car accident attorney.