One of the biggest safety concerns on Texas’s roads is drunk driving. In 2009, there were 1,235 deaths in Texas due to drunk driving. Among those, 185 were individuals under the age of 21.

However, there is good news – DWI arrests in the Dallas area declined this New Year’s Eve when compared with previous years. There were 31 arrests this year, and 34 last year. More drivers were also voluntarily giving breath tests. Last year, officers got 10 warrants ordering DWI suspects to give blood samples, and this year they only got six.

So how can you stay safe on Dallas’s roads in the New Year? First, if you are going out and you anticipate you will be drinking, have a plan in advance on how to get home. Line up a designated driver or put a taxi company’s number in your cell phone. If you don’t have a plan before drinking, you are much more likely to attempt to drive yourself home. If you decide to walk to your destination, be aware there is still a danger. Use the buddy system and stay in areas with which you are familiar. Finally, if you are going to be away from home for an evening, don’t let others know online that you will be gone, such as by posting that information on a social media site like Twitter or Facebook.

Be sure to make staying safe in 2012 one of your resolutions. If you have been injured in a Dallas area accident due to the fault of another driver, contact the Barber Law Firm at 972-231-5800. They will help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Although the holidays are supposed to be a festive time, for many Texans they can become a nightmare because of crime. Many criminals target homes during the holiday season, knowing that the homeowners may be out of town and that the homes are filled with gifts. Criminals also target shoppers, knowing they may be carrying extra cash. However, by following a few simple steps you can decrease the odds that you will be a crime victim this holiday season.

First, be careful about whom you tell that you will be out of town. Try to avoid telling anyone except your family and friends. Don’t announce on any social media sites that you will be gone for a week, even if you think that only family and friends can access the information – that is practically an invitation to thieves. If you do go out of town, remember to secure your premises, and consider installing motion detection lights outside. You may also want to use timers inside to turn your lights and your Christmas tree on and off, to give the appearance to any potential burglars that you are home. In addition, don’t display Christmas presents in your front window.

While you are shopping, park in well-lit areas. Be alert when travelling from a store to your vehicle. This will decrease the odds of a burglar viewing you as a potential victim. Don’t display gifts or other purchases in your vehicle’s windows – instead, secure them in the trunk.

Another risk of holiday shopping is that you may be the victim of cyber crime. When shopping online, monitor your credit card purchases online and your Paypal account. Be sure that each website you are using is secure – look for the padlock icon in the status bar, and the https prefix (rather than http) when visiting online stores. Type in each online retailer’s address rather than clicking on a link. In addition, consider using a credit card rather than a debit card while shopping online.

Have you been the victim of holiday crime or a holiday accident? If so, contact the Barber Law Firm at 972-231-5800. We may be able to help.

Thanksgiving is a time of year when we can take an opportunity to offer thanks, spend time with our loved ones, and enjoy turkey roast and pumpkin pies.  It’s a time for remembering, cherishing and being thankful for all the good things we have been blessed with.

Unfortunately Thanksgiving is also a time of year for high traffic volume and auto accidents. According to a new AAA survey, 42.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during this Thanksgiving holiday. That’s a four percent increase from the 40.9 million people who traveled one year ago.

Refer to our Tips for Safe Driving on Texas Roads this Holiday Season while making travel plans and travel safely throughout the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Millions of holiday travelers will be hitting the highways this holiday season. This means that Texas roads will be busy, and it’s important to follow a few tips to increase your odds of staying safe and accident-free.

Before you head out, if you are travelling to a cold climate, winterize your car. This includes checking your fluid levels, brakes, defroster, heater, tires, battery and wipers. Be sure your car has an emergency kit, which should include items such as blankets, flashlights, an ice scraper, a bag of salt or sand, non-perishable food and water, and jumper cables.

If the roads are ice or snowy in the area to which you are driving, don’t drive unless absolutely necessary. Increase your following distance on slippery roads. Experts recommend keeping at least five seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If you are in Texas and are concerned about road conditions, call (800) 452-9292 for a list of road conditions.

It’s always a good idea before travelling to plan in advance. Check to see if you will encounter any construction zones on your trip at http://www.txdot.gov/travel/road_conditions.htm, and this information will allow you to give yourself extra time if needed.

The holiday season is wonderful but travelling can quickly become a nightmare. If you have been involved in a Dallas accident due to the fault of another driver, contact Kris Barber, Dallas accident attorney, at 817-329-5095. He will strive to help you make your case as quick and hassle-free as possible.