The Dangers of Walking While Drunk

January 05, 2012 (Press-News.org) The dangers of drunk driving in Florida are well-known. In 2009, the latest year for such statistics, more than 900 lives were lost in alcohol related car accidents. However, an increasing number of intoxicated pedestrians are being killed by oncoming cars. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2008 that pedestrians are four times more likely to be killed if they are drunk compared to those who are sober. Across Florida, nearly a third of pedestrian deaths in 2010 involved a pedestrian who had been drinking. Reports indicate that 13 percent of pedestrians suffered serious injuries, but it is conceivable that many more unreported injuries occurred.

Fatal pedestrian accidents tend to occur in dense, urban areas with a great deal of foot traffic. Popular night spots and tourist destinations are common scenes for pedestrian crashes. That is why it is easy to see why most accidents occur at night in the early morning hours.

Darkness is a factor in many pedestrian crashes, and alcohol impairment affects a person's ability to gauge a car's speed and distance, as well as a person's ability to get out of harm's way. This combination of dangers makes walking while drunk very dangerous on Florida streets.

According to the transportation group, Transportation for America, Florida leads the nation in pedestrian deaths. However, those who are hit by cars may still seek compensation for their injuries. After all, drivers owe pedestrians a duty to use reasonable care in avoiding pedestrians. A driver who breaches that duty could still be held liable, even though the pedestrian was drunk.

If you have questions about pedestrian injuries, an experienced personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights and options.

Article provided by Culpepper Kurland, PLLC
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