It is not uncommon for those 21-years-old and older to partake in consuming alcohol beverages. Although it is not illegal for these individuals to have a few intoxicating beverages, it is illegal for these individuals to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated. Even if a driver presumes that it is fine for them to operate a car, this does not mean that he or she is under the legal limit. Additionally, this could cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle or do another negligent act, resulting in a serious or even fatal accident.
How common are drunk driving accidents? According to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 individuals die in an alcohol-related accident in the U.S. everyday. This equates to one person every 51 minutes. While drunk-driving fatalities have fallen by a third over the last three decades, drunk-driving accidents still claim more than 10,000 lives every year. Additionally, the damages related to these fatal and injury-causing accidents amounts to around $52 billion a year.
In 2015, 10,265 deaths occurred because of a drunk driver. That same year, drunk drivers killed 181 children 14-years-old and younger. Event though various campaigns are initiated and spread throughout the nation each year, this only does so much when it comes to emphasizing the dangers associated with drinking and driving.
Although driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol generates many risks and dangers, it is also a crime. Because of that, drivers could face serious criminal penalties following a drunk driving accident. Additionally, drunk drivers could also endure civil liabilities. Victims of a drunk driving accident as well as the loved ones of those killed in a crash could file a civil action. A personal injury claim or wrongful death suit could help those harmed recover compensation for their losses and damages.
Source: Nhtsa.gov, “Drunk Driving,” accessed Oct. 15
