News - Press Release

FANS DON'T LET FANS DRIVE DRUNK
PASS YOUR KEYS TO A DESIGNATED DRIVER THIS SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Rocky Mount, N.C., January 30, 2006— HensonFuerst, P.A., a North Carolina-based law firm with offices in Raleigh and Rocky Mount, announced today that they are joining forces with the National Football League (NFL), the Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management Coalition (TEAM), Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drunk Driving (RADD), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other state and local highway and law enforcement officials to remind everyone to act responsibly by designating a sober driver if they plan on using alcohol this Super Bowl weekend.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and families gather to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it is also one of the nation’s most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving. According to the NHTSA, 158 people, representing 51 percent of all traffic fatalities, died during the 2004 Super Bowl weekend due to impaired drivers with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of .08 and higher.

“We want to remind everyone this weekend that real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” said David Henson, managing partner of HensonFuerst, P.A. “All too frequently our law firm sees the tragic consequences of drunk driving. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver because drunk driving crashes—and fatalities—can be prevented.”

Impaired driving is no accident nor is it a victimless crime. In 2004, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving an impaired driver or motorcycle operator with an illegal BAC level of .08 or higher. Of the 1,557 North Carolina traffic fatalities in 2004, 553 or 35 percent were alcohol-related. Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk because the consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant.

Mr. Henson reminds everyone that designating a sober driver should be on the top of their Super Bowl party list and offers these additional tips to help prevent alcohol-related accidents.

HensonFuerst, P.A. would like to thank the following restaurants and bars for their participation in Real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk:

Raleigh— Jillian’s, East Village Bar and Grill, Hi5, Playmakers, Tailgaters, Woody’s Tavern at City Market, Overtime Sports Pub, Sammy’s Tap & Grill

Roanoke Rapids— Applebee’s

Rocky Mount— Chico’s, Gator’s

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:

  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.

  • Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.

  • If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.

  • Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

  • Always buckle up—it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:

  • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired driving crash.

  • Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.

  • Serve lots of food—and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.

  • Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.

  • Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

To report drunk drivers:

  • Call your local police or sheriff’s office and report the make, model, color, and license number of the vehicle. In an emergency call 911.

  • Cell phone users can report drunk drivers by dialing *HP (*47) toll free.

  • Never attempt to pursue an impaired driver.

About HensonFuerst, P.A.
HensonFuerst, P.A., is a North Carolina-based law firm specializing in catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and mass tort cases. For nearly 30 years, the lawyers at HensonFuerst have represented those injured by the negligence of others. With successful multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements throughout the state of North Carolina, the lawyers of HensonFuerst offer considerable experience and resources for their clients. For more information, visit www.lawmed.com.

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