With the advent of ride-shares like Uber and Lyft, one might be tempted to think drunk driving is a thing of the past. Sadly, we aren’t out of the woods yet in regards to this risky, life-threatening behavior.
Alcohol severely inhibits an individual’s ability to safely and properly operate a vehicle. Unfortunately, it also emboldens people, making them feel invincible, overly-confident, and infallible. And while many people entertain the delusion that one or two drinks aren’t enough to impact their driving skills, the facts seem to tell us otherwise.
MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) offers some startling statistics in regards to drinking and drugged driving:
- The average drunk driver has driven drunk 80+ times before they’re ever arrested
- More than 1/3 of teenagers think they drive better under the influence of marijuana
- On average, 2 in 3 people will be involved in a drunk driving accident in their lifetime
Holidays And Drunk Driving
Unfortunately, certain celebrations have become synonymous with drunk driving. The 4th of July, New Year’s Eve, and Labor Day all have a deadly reputation when it comes to drunk driving incidents.
The same goes for widely-celebrated events like the Super Bowl. Sadly, what should be a day of community and celebration can quickly turn devastating as a result of reckless behavior behind the wheel.
Drunk Driving Damage
Shockingly, alcohol-related accidents make up nearly 1/3 of all auto accidents in the United States. Annually, somewhere around 700,000 people are involved in drunk driving accidents that result in injury. Among those, 13,000 results in a fatality.
Although rideshare options like Lyft and Uber are quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive, an intoxicated person is more likely to take the still-easier route of driving themselves. This split-second decision made by someone in a compromised state can result in property damages, trauma, severe injury, and the loss of precious life.
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Victims of DUI suffer many painful outcomes: damage to property, physical pain, PTSD, trauma, lost wages because they cannot work, sky-high medical bills, collections harassment, and potentially life-altering injuries.
A good drunk-driving accident attorney can help victims of DUI receive adequate compensation for their immense pain and suffering.
On the other hand, if you yourself have received a DUI, you will need a highly-qualified and knowledgable lawyer to help you navigate the legal ramifications of your actions.
Most of the time, drunk driving accidents occur due to ignorance or negligence that could have easily been avoided.
How To Avoid Drunk Driving Accidents
Although the means of avoiding drunk driving accidents might seem obvious, we’ve included some reminders of how you can help keep yourself and others safe:
- Never encourage an inebriated person to drink beyond their limits. Someone who keeps their wits about them is in a far better position to make good decisions about how they get home.
- Help someone contact a Lyft or Uber if they are confused about how to do this.
- Have a designated sober person at your gatherings so someone is always in a good position to make clear decisions.
- Don’t be afraid to take someone’s keys if they are drunk. You may save their life or the life of another.