Each day in the U.S., there are around 30 vehicle accidents caused by a
drunk driver. More than 10,000 annual fatalities result from drunk driving
accidents, and these numbers seem to be steadily on the rise. Though efforts
to curb drunk driving through the 80s and 90s saw huge gains, the efforts
to continue reducing the roadway dangers caused by alcohol have not been
as successful as organizations such as MADD would like.

New technology does offer some hope. At this point, reducing drunk driving
accidents further requires significant action that will impact repeat
offenders who are unlikely to be influenced by traditional public safety
campaigns and slogans. In many states,
ignition interlock devices are being installed on the vehicles of repeat offenders. These devices
require a driver to provide a breath sample and prevent the ignition from
starting if it reads their breath at a level above the specified safe
zone (which is typically between .02% and .04%). When ignition interlock
devices are installed, they are associated with a 70% reduced arrest rate
for drunk driving, no doubt resulting in a reduction in accident and in
lives lost.

Security checkpoints during the holidays also play a role in keeping the
public safe. Officers at security checkpoints target dangerous times and
locations, especially during the holidays when increased traffic and regular
alcohol-fueled parties are the norm. Such regular stops on busy roadways
can help to slow the speed of traffic overall, but are largely focused
on discouraging drunk driving.

Wagner Reese Wishes You a Safe Holiday Season

All of us at Wagner Reese hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday. To
ensure your own safety, as well as that of others, keep the following
safety tips in mind:

  • Avoid drinking if you know you will be driving. No matter how little alcohol
    you feel you’ve had, play it safe. Do not get behind the wheel of a car.
  • Designate a driver, book a hotel room, or get the number for a local cab
    company if you plan to drink.
  • Drive defensively and be observant of the drivers around you. Drunk drivers
    often show signs of their impairment, including swerving or delayed reactions
    to conditions around them.
  • Never follow a possibly impaired driver around, even if your intentions
    are good. Call the police and provide the information you have about the
    drunk driver, then get away from the potentially deadly situation.

If you or your loved ones are injured as the result of the poor decisions
of a drunk driver this holiday season, the
drunk driving accident attorneys at Wagner Reese can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve
and may need for medical care and to cover a loss of wages while injured.
There is no risk, as we never collect any kind of fee unless your case
is settled or won. Contact us today at (888) 204-8440 for more information
or to schedule a free consultation.