Augusta Man Killed In Georgia Drunk Driving Accident

December 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) Augusta man killed in Georgia drunk driving accident

Recently, an 82-year-old man from Augusta, Georgia was killed in a suspected drunk driving accident. The man was traveling on Scott Road when he was hit at the intersection with Peach Orchard Road. The other driver, a 33-year-old man has since been cited for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a revoked license. According to law enforcement officers familiar with the incident, the accused drunk driver has received similar citations in the past.

Tragically, these types of accidents continue to be a serious problem in Georgia and across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drunk driving accidents cause one fatality every 48 minutes in the United States.

In 2010, drivers under the influence of alcohol caused almost one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States, amounting to a total of 10,228 fatalities.

Much like the recent fatal Augusta accident, it is not uncommon for drunk drivers who cause accidents to be repeat offenders. According to the CDC, drunk drivers with previous DWI convictions are four times more likely to cause a fatal drunk driving accident than motorists with no such prior convictions.

Georgia drunk driving accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were a total of 416 fatalities due to accidents caused by drivers impaired by alcohol in 2008. Those 416 deaths accounted for 28 percent of all traffic fatalities in Georgia that year. The number of deaths in Georgia caused by drunk drivers has remained relatively stable over the past 15 years, with an average of 406.5 fatalities each year.

As drunk driving laws vary by state, it is critical for motorists to be aware of the laws in the state in which they are driving. In Georgia, a driver is considered under the influence of alcohol if he or she has a blood alcohol content at or above .08. In addition, Georgia motorists face added penalties if their BAC is at or above .15.

For those who violate Georgia's drunk driving laws, the penalties can be severe, including jail time, fines and driver's license suspension. In some cases, drivers may also be required to take a mandatory alcohol treatment course and install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. Ignition interlocks prevent drivers from starting their vehicles until they perform a breath test that shows they are not under the influence of alcohol.

In addition to these penalties, other motorists harmed by a drunk driver have the right to recover for property damage, personal injuries or even the death of a loved one. In such situations, consulting with a skilled Augusta personal injury attorney will ensure the rights of the injured party are protected and just compensation is received.

Article provided by Wall Ellison LLP
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