Oktoberfest Precautions To Prevent Naples Drunk Driving Car Accidents

Fall means Oktoberfest celebrations in Naples. The annual Rocktoberfest marathon happens early in the month, then the focus turns from fitness to food. Local restaurants and taverns serve bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerbraten, and other seasonal favorites while hearty German ales flow freely from taps.

Unfortunately, amidst all the often rowdy fun, there is an unfortunate tendency to overindulge. This can increase car accident risks. Our Naples drunk driving accident lawyer explains what you can do to help prevent these crashes and keep local roads safe.

Oktoberfest Drinking Poses Hazards To Naples Drivers

Statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles show that there are over 100 confirmed drunk-driving car accidents in Collier County. These are cases where it is obvious a driver is under the influence, fails field sobriety tests, or admits to having overindulged. There are likely dozens of other crashes in which alcohol use is unconfirmed or a drunk driver is never caught.

What does this have to do with Oktoberfest? While held in opposing seasons, St. Patrick’s Day and Oktoberfest share some similarities. Both focus on celebrating ethnic culture, alcohol often plays a central role in these celebrations, and there is a tendency among some revelers to overindulge.

Ramstein Air Force Base, located in Germany, acknowledges the appeal of and the vast variety of German beers available, but warns new arrivals that German beers can be significantly stronger than what they are used to. If you are going out to celebrate Oktoberfest or attend one of the many events in our area, keep this advice in mind. Ways in which having even one or two beers increases Naples drunk driving risks include:

• Impaired judgment, impacting your ability to assess whether you have had too much or should drive;
• Lack of coordination, making it harder to turn the wheel, apply the brakes, and perform other driving tasks;
• Reduced vision and increased sensitivity to glare, making it harder to see the road or other drivers;
• Reduced reaction times, making you less likely to respond appropriately to changes in traffic or other unexpected conditions.

Ways To Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents in Naples During Oktoberfest

Going out to celebrate Oktoberfest or hosting parties featuring German beer and other faves is a lot of fun. However, take precautions to help prevent drunk driving accidents in Naples:

• If you plan on doing any amount of drinking, avoid driving;
• If you host a party, do not overserve guests;
• If someone you are with appears intoxicated, do not let them drive home.

If you are involved in a car accident in Naples with a suspected drunk driver, get a description of their vehicle and notify law enforcement immediately.

Injured In An Oktoberfest Crash? Contact Our Naples Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents in Naples are unfortunately common throughout October. If you or someone you love is injured, get the trusted legal guidance you need to file a claim at Cardinal Law, P.A. Call or contact our experienced legal team online to schedule a consultation with our Naples drunk driving accident lawyer today.

Sources:

rocktoberfesthalf.com/

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf

ramstein.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/726965/dont-underestimate-german-beer/