Drunk driving a factor in 1/3 of traffic fatalities

A 2014 national drunk driving enforcement crackdown called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” goes into effect across the country from August 13 to September 1. Drunk driving is one of the deadliest and most often committed crimes. Although it is preventable, it has become a serious epidemic in our country.

The New York Daily News reported that just last week, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s mother and cousin were hit head on by a drunk driver. Luckily both survived the horrific collision. Every day in America 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes. In 2012, there were 10,322 fatalities in crashes involving a drunk driver, 31% of the total traffic fatalities for the year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There were nearly 300,000 drunk-driving related injuries that same year.

1,168 children ages 14 and younger were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2012. The NHTSA reported that 20 percent of those fatalities occurred as a result of drunk-driving crashes. The NHTSA also reported that of all of the children who died in drunk driving crashes, 54% were riding with the drunk driver.

Statistics released from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) that came from a 2012 FBI Crime Report, stated that each day, people drive drunk almost 300,000 times, but fewer than 4,000 are arrested. Results from a National Survey on Drug Use and Health released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that the rate of drunk driving is highest among 21- to 25-year-olds (23.4 percent).

What can you do to help prevent drunk driving?

• Prior to drinking, designate a non-drinking driver.
• Don’t let your friends or others drive impaired. Take their keys.
• If you have been drinking and don’t have a designated driver, get a ride with someone who is sober or call a taxi.
• If you are hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind guests to plan ahead and designate a driver. Offer plenty of alcohol-free beverages and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

The nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown, which begins next week, will include high-visibility enforcement supported by a national media campaign. According to the NHTSA, this promotion was designed to curb drunk driving throughout the high-accident period of August and through the Labor Day holiday weekend. In 2012, 147 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes over Labor Day weekend. Federal officials believe that increasing state and local enforcement efforts, raising public awareness, education, and social media use can make a difference to save more lives on roadways by reducing the number of alcohol-impaired drivers. According to reports, past drive sober campaigns have resulted in a 20 percent decrease nationwide in alcohol-related crash fatalities.

If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver or another accident, call the Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 855-866-5529 or visit www.munley.com.

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