Avoid Alcohol-Related Accidents on Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day is right around the corner, falling on Monday, the 2nd of September this year. At the Law Office of Adam Sorrells, we do everything that we can to help our clients recover financial compensation for personal injury and wrongful death, but we are also concerned to help people in the Chico community to stay safe and avoid getting into accidents in the first place. According a report in Forbes magazine, Labor Day is the fourth most dangerous holiday of the entire year in terms of alcohol-related accident statistics, with significantly more people drinking at parties, cookouts and public events and then getting behind the wheel. We encourage you to enjoy yourself on the upcoming holiday, while also taking precaution to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Labor Day Weekend Alcohol Ban on the Sacramento River
We are not the only ones in Chico concerned about Labor Day weekend safety. The city government has been meeting with representatives from Chico State University, Butte College and other organizations from throughout the community since the early summer, working to develop effective solutions for reducing the number of accidents and keeping people safe. One of the reasons there has been so much attention on the topic this year has to do with the tragic death of a 20-year-old student who went missing for a week and was later reported dead. The incident which led to his death occurred during the popular Labor Day Weekend Float, an event which attracts nearly 10,000 people who escape the heat by floating down the Sacramento River on inner tubes and other flotation devices.
To specifically address the issue of keeping people safe during the float, law enforcement agencies from both Butte County and Glenn County will be enforcing an alcohol ban on the river. This ban includes drinking on the river, as well as on the river banks. Anyone caught in violation of the alcohol ban may be given a citation of $380. The hope is that this will reduce rowdy and reckless behavior that could lead to drowning accidents and similar types of incident.
Keeping Students Safe in Chico over the Holiday Weekend
In addition to increased law enforcement activity, local colleges will be sponsoring dozens of events throughout the weekend for the purpose of entertaining students throughout the weekend and helping them to stay out of trouble. With thousands of students returning from summer break and eager to get out to party with friends, it is important to ensure that things do not get out of hand and lead to possible accidents, fights and even alcohol poisoning.
More Law Enforcement Activity Through the Weekend
The Sacramento River is not the only place where law enforcement will be working to keep Chicoans safe. The Chico Police Department will be deploying an increased force, with many officers working overtime shifts. Drivers can expect to see more squad cars on patrol, looking for signs of intoxication and drunk driving. Unfortunately, budget cuts have force the police department to reduce their capabilities for crowd control over the weekend, with two of their specialty units being placed on inactive status due to insufficient funding. Last year there were nearly 250 arrests and citations issued over Labor Day weekend, a reflection of the amount of rowdy, disorderly and unlawful behavior which is bound to happen when so many people are out drinking while they celebrate the holiday.
Tips for Staying Safe in Chico over Labor Day Weekend
What can you do to keep yourself and your family out of harm's way, while still enjoying the holiday weekend? Here are some of the tips we can offer:
- Drink little or no alcohol, since people who are inebriated are naturally more at risk of slipping and falling, hitting their head against an object, driving drunk or other dangerous behaviors
- Always bring a designated driver if you will be drinking
- Volunteer to be the designated driver to keep your friends and family safe
- Try to stay off the roads, especially after dark, because there will be more people drinking and driving than on other weekends
- Contact the Chico Police Department or the California Highway Patrol to report any dangerous activity you observe, such as if you spot a drunk driver, to keep others safe and prevent accidents
- Avoid large events where you might be more at risk of being injured by a drunken stranger, and choose instead to celebrate at a smaller party or a barbecue
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion
Following these tips, you and your family should be able to stay safe and have a great Labor Day weekend. In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is injured, do not hesitate to contact us at the Law Office of Adam Sorrells for help from our Chico personal injury lawyer.