The dangers of drunk driving and how they can be prevented

On behalf of Strom & Associates, Ltd. posted in Drunk Driving Accidents on Thursday, November 20, 2014.

In Illinois and throughout the country in 2010, police arrested an estimated 1.4 million motorists in regards to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to a statistical report. Moreover, about 30 individuals, or one per hour, die in car accidents caused by drunk drivers.

The particular individuals who are most involved in fatal alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents are young adults. In fact, 32 percent of drunk drivers who experienced an auto wreck and whose level of blood alcohol content was .08 percent or greater ranged in age from 21 to 24 years old, 27 percent represented those between 25 and 34 years of age and 24 percent involved drivers between the ages of 35 and 44 years old, according to the NHTSA. The report further stated that drunk drivers whose blood content level was .08 percent or more when a fatal crash occurred were found to have had a previous DWI conviction.

While ignition interlocks and sobriety checkpoints have greatly helped reduce the number of auto accidents caused by impaired drivers, there are other preventative measures as well. They nclude an immediate revocation or suspension of a driver's license after being charged with DWI, requiring DWI offenders to attend substance abuse programs and a stronger enforcement of the present underage drinking laws. Additionally, whenever people drink together, they should make sure anyone who plans on driving is sober or has a taxi or a sober person to drive them home.

Car accidents caused by impaired drivers can lead to grave consequences for anyone involved. Those who have been injured or lost a loved one due to the negligence of an alcohol-impaired motorist may be able to recover their losses by filing a personal injury or wrongful death action.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Impaired Driving: Get the Facts", November 17, 2014