In the United States, every day, nearly 30 people die in motor vehicle crashes that involve alcohol-impaired drivers. With higher statistics in other countries there are over 51 million deaths annually due to drunk or impaired driving.
In 2010, 1/3rd of vehicle crash fatalities were the result of alcohol related crashes. 17% of traffic accidents claiming a child’s life were alcohol related in that year. Over a million drivers are arrested for driving under the influence annually. That is only counting the times they were caught. Self-reports by individuals of driving while intoxicated far surpass the numbers that are arrested annually.
Driving while intoxicated is operating a motor vehicle while your blood levels of alcohol are in excess of the legal amount as set forth by law (“Blood Alcohol Content”). Alcohol affects a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Programs around the country stress the dangers of drunk driving not only to adults, but also to younger generations so that they are aware of the dangers posed by such reckless decisions. It is because of programs educating Americans about the dangers of this type of behavior that between 1991 and 2011, the rate of fatalities tied to drunk driving has decreased 49% and 63% among those under the age of 21.
The danger posed by drivers who choose to get behind the wheel intoxicated is still out there. Drunk driving affects not only those killed in motor vehicle accidents but the family and friends of those lost because of it. If you or a loved one have been injured because of an accident with a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol please call us today!
Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. Orlando car accident attorneys