Nothing is better than a beautiful summer day in Skagit County. The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day is when the sun comes out, the lakes and swimming holes get warm and the nights get long. It is safe to say Skagit County residents love the summer and spend more time on the road in the season than any other.
The downside of the amazing summer season in Skagit County is the increased amount of traffic on the road, the amount of drunk driving that takes place around summer holidays and the connection between summer activities and drinking which causes a spike in serious car accidents during summer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of more than 1,000 people die in traffic accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day – that’s more than 10 per-day. On top of this, according to Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers, many of these fatal summer accidents involve alcohol.
These statistics are concerning, but they shouldn’t stop anyone from having fun on the road this summer. What drivers should do is think about ways they can help reverse the trend of increased car accidents during this season.
Aside from simply driving slower, safer and sober, some other ways Skagit County residents can help is:
- Offer to be a designated driver as often as possible.
- Offer to let friends and family stay the night after social gatherings.
- Exercise extra caution when driving on traffic-heavy holidays such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend.
- Don’t text and drive.
- Pay close attention to any drunk drivers you may see on the road and report to police.
Many times problem drinking will come to the forefront during the summer months for people as they attend a larger number of parties and DUI enforcement increases. If you think a family member or loved one may be struggling with problem drinking this summer, or if you yourself may be struggling, The Follman Agency can help. We have been helping those who have struggled with alcohol addiction in Skagit County for more than 30 years.
Please call us at 360-755-1125 for a consultation.
