Preventing Accidents Resulting From Driving While Intoxicated
Avoiding binge drinking and encouraging others to do the same can decrease yours and other's chances of being involved in a drunk driving accident.
KANSAS CITY, MO, June 05, 2013
In the United States, driving while intoxicated is the cause of about 30 deaths per day and countless injuries. The victims of drunk driving accidents are often blameless and regrettably fall prey to another driver's irresponsibility. There are many measures being taken by local governments and communities to prevent intoxicated driving accidents, including:- Active enforcement of the legal drinking age and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) laws
- Conviction and punishment for drunk drivers, including driver license suspension and revocation
- Sobriety checkpoints
- Promoting education on the issue of drunk driving
- Community action
- Increased taxes on alcohol products
An example of an effective measure taken to help decrease instances of drunk driving is the requirement of ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drives. An ignition interlock is a device that is installed in one's vehicle preventing the vehicle from operating for anyone with a BAC above a specified level. Ignition interlocks have been reported to reduce impaired driving arrest rates by 70%.
Additionally, individuals can increase theirs and other's safety on the road by:
- Taking a taxi home or designating a sober driver prior to drinking
- Not allowing your friends to drive after drinking
- If hosting a party that includes drinking, remind your guests to take the above precautions, offer non-alcoholic drinks as well, and ensure that your guests leave with a sober driver
- Always putting on a seat belt and shoulder harness when in a car
As with most situations related to motor vehicle accidents, young people, due to their inexperience, are at a higher risk of injury and death as a result of drunk driving. One third of teen deaths resulting from auto accidents are caused by intoxicated drivers. Because of this, regulations and punishments for drinking and driving while under age are more stringent.
Many times, drunk drivers are habitual binge drinkers. Both avoiding binge drinking and encouraging others to do the same can decrease yours and other's chances of being involved in a drunk driving accident.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a drunk driving accident, contact an experienced and professional personal injury attorney to help guide you through the legal process of gaining fair and adequate compensation.
Website: www.adlerandmanson.com