Designated Very Important Person (DDVIP) Volunteers Sought
Drunk driving is a serious problem in Sacramento as it is elsewhere in other parts of the country. The California Office of Traffic Safety recently launched a program called the DDVIP (designated very important person) to continue combatting drunk driving. The purpose of the program is to raise the awareness of California residents about the dangers of impaired driving.
The Perks of Being a DDVIP
To encourage volunteers to help prevent drunk driving, those who are DDVIPs can receive discounts and additional perks from restaurants and bars participating in the program. They even have exciting DDrinks that are non-alcoholic, and the Facebook page for OTC shows participants the list in advance.
Local Establishments Encourage Designated Drivers
In order to encourage the use of designated drivers, numerous bars, bowling alleys and restaurants in Sacramento are trying to help by providing non-alcoholic drinks to volunteers. Here are some places that are actively helping to take care of those who take care of others:
- LowBrau Bierhall in Sacramento: This German beer hall on 20th and K Streets, which offers guests drinks and pub-based food, is offering a special drink for designated drivers. Called the “nojito,” the only thing missing from the 1930’s inspired drink is the rum. Designated drivers will remain sober but still obtain the great flavor of the original.
- District 30, 1022 K Street, Sacramento: This is a chic dance club that offers non-alcoholic drinks.
- Cafeteria 15L, 1116 15th Street, Sacramento: This urban eclectic restaurant with American fare offers non-alcoholic drinks.
- The Rind, 1801 L St #40, Sacramento: A cozy bar that serves cheese along with non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers.
- KetMoRee Thai Restaurant, 238 G St Corner of 3rd and G St, Davis: Thai cooking dominates the menu in this hopping nightclub that also serves non-alcoholic beverages.
- Pins N Strikes, 3443 Laguna Blvd, Elk Grove: This local Elk Grove bowling alley offers non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers.
Program for College Students
Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving (RADD) is working with the OTC to encourage college students to participate as volunteer drivers. Even though schools are out due to COVID-19, this popular music fan site offers content on social media, a quiz on Instagram, and is available to over 40 campuses around the state.
Drunk Driving Statistics
Every day, someone loses a parent, father, mother, sibling, child, friend or neighbor in a drunk driving accident. According to the latest statistics, there are 300,000 incidents around the nation each day that involve drunk driving. Twenty-eight people die every day as a result of an accident involving a drunk driver. Injuries caused by an inebriated driver amount to around 290,000. That comes out to one every 51 minutes. If those drunk drivers had a designated driver, all of those accidents, serious injuries and deaths could have been prevented.
The California Dram Shop Law
Under California Civil Code section 1714, which is referred to as the Dram Shop Law, it is more difficult to hold restaurants, bars, private citizens and others legally responsible if a guest leaves, drives drunk and causes an accident. However, there is an exception. If the drunk driver was under the age of 21 and served alcohol, got into an accident and injured or killed someone, the provider may be held liable.
Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk drivers are responsible for many injuries each year in accidents. Injuries can include broken bones, chest and abdominal trauma, scarring and disfigurement. In addition, many individuals suffer emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder that requires professional treatment. Many results of drunk driving are catastrophic such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns and amputations. More serious injuries can permanently affect a person’s life, making it difficult to care for themselves, go back to work or lead a normal life.
Drunk Driving Cases Involving Long-Term Care
A lawyer experienced in handling drunk driving accidents may help them obtain compensation not only for their current expenses but for those that continue into the future. Recoverable damages include future loss of income, medical care, renovations needed for the home, rehabilitation appliances, and at-home assistance. My office has successfully handled many cases of this type and can help you too.
Investigation of an Accident
Providing proof of negligence in an accident is important for an injured person to obtain compensation, which includes all medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. A drunk driving conviction certainly proves that negligence was involved in the accident. Our investigators also perform accident reconstruction, check for video footage from nearby surveillance cameras, talk to witnesses and review the police report for errors. A strong case for compensation can be used either in negotiations with the insurance company or in preparing a case for court.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. If a drunk driver causes your injury or is responsible for the death of your loved one, I may be able to help. Holding them financially accountable can help prevent them from doing it again and can help the injured person or grieving family with the financial cost. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 if you would like my free and friendly advice. A convenient, short online form is available also if you prefer to get in touch that way.
I belong to the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
Since I began my law practice in 1982, I’ve helped numerous Sacramentans in obtaining fair compensation for traffic collisions, traumas such as brain injuries, government claims and wrongful deaths.
Look over the following for added information about my law practice:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/drink-driving-drunk-alcohol-808790/
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