Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving is a major issue on the roads today. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, drunk driving was a factor in over 29,000 crashes in California in 2020 alone (https://www.ots.ca.gov/Media_and_Research/Statistics/Drunk_Driving.asp). These accidents can have serious consequences, including fatalities, injuries, and property damage. In this article, we will explore the causes of drunk driving, the consequences of drunk driving accidents, and the laws in place to combat this dangerous behavior.

Causes of Drunk Driving

There are many reasons why people choose to drink and drive. Some people may believe that they are capable of handling the effects of alcohol and can safely operate a vehicle. Others may not have a designated driver or may be unaware of the dangers of drunk driving. Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that alcohol impairs your ability to safely operate a vehicle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol affects your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it dangerous to drive after consuming alcohol (https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/drinking-and-driving.htm).

Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents can have serious consequences for all involved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, over 10,000 people were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers (https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving). In addition to fatalities, drunk driving accidents can also result in serious injuries and property damage. These accidents can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial stress for those involved.

Laws to Combat Drunk Driving Accidents

To combat the issue of drunk driving, the state of California has implemented several laws. According to the California Vehicle Code, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23152). Additionally, California has a “zero tolerance” law for drivers under the age of 21, which means it is illegal for these drivers to operate a vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23136). These laws are in place to help keep drivers and others on the road safe.

Most Common Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents can occur at any time and in any location. However, certain times and places tend to have higher rates of drunk driving accidents. For example, statistics show that drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur during the nighttime hours, as opposed to during the day (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). In terms of location, drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur in rural areas, as there are typically fewer cars and pedestrians present (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Additionally, drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur on roads with lower speed limits, as drivers may be more likely to drink and drive in these areas (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). It is important to be vigilant and never drink and drive, regardless of the time of day or location.

Injuries From Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents can result in a variety of injuries for those involved. Some common injuries include broken bones, lacerations, and bruises. More severe injuries, such as head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries, can also occur. These types of injuries can have long-term effects on a person’s physical and mental health, and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. In some cases, injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident can result in disability or even death. It is important to never drink and drive in order to prevent these types of injuries. Drinking and driving is not only dangerous for the driver, but also for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road.