Drunk driving concern high as spring break season nears

March 26, 2014

Las Vegas is a common destination for many students, friends and relatives for spring break. The warm sunshine, casinos and other nightlife make it a favorite place to celebrate this vacation. However, the influx of people coming to Las Vegas at this time can exacerbate concerns about drunk driving and related motor vehicle accidents.

Is drunk driving a big problem in Nevada?

Statistics found in the records of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration would indicate that alcohol as a factor in vehicular accidents is of high concern. This is so all around Nevada but especially so in Clark County. Some facts from 2011 include:
- Clark County was the site of more than 47 percent of all auto fatalities in the state.
- Clark County was the site of more than 54 percent of all alcohol-related auto fatalities in the state.
- Statewide, 70 people died in accidents involving alcohol and 38 of those deaths were recorded in Clark County.
- Washoe County had the second-highest rate of alcohol-related driving fatalities with 10 deaths.
- Seven people died in Nye County, four in Elko County and three each in Douglas and Lyon Counties.

Humboldt, Lander and Pershing Counties each lost one life in such accidents that year. Each one of these fatalities should be considered as a wrongful death that could have been avoided.

Repeat offenders and high blood alcohol content

Also of concern are repeat offenders. These are people who have been convicted with DUIs and are then found to repeat that behavior. Many such drivers are also known to have extremely high blood alcohol levels. The Century Council has data on drivers arrested for these repeat offenses that are involved in additional accidents. For 2011, the blood alcohol content in 80 percent of these drivers was greater than 0.15 percent.

Ignition interlock devices aim to prevent repeat offenses

Some drivers are required to have their BAC measured prior to driving in an effort to prevent them from driving while intoxicated again. An ignition interlock device obtains a breath sample to determine whether or not the driver will be allowed to start a vehicle. If the BAC is too high, the ignition is kept locked by a computer chip.

New technology has been tested that offers the ability to capture blood alcohol levels by touch rather than breath. Infrared sensors allow the measurement. It is not yet known if or when this technology would be on the market.

Help is always available

People who are injured or who have had loved ones injured or killed in drunk driving accidents are encouraged to seek legal help. The tragic results of these crashes can be emotionally and financially challenging. Getting the right legal help is the best way to be properly compensated.

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