How Common Is Drunk Driving?
How Common Is Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving is a big problem in the United States. It can lead to serious injuries and wrongful death, and it can raise auto insurance rates. So, how common is drunk driving in the United States? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that drunk driving occurred approximately 112 million times in 2010 in the U.S. That’s an average of 300,000 times a day.
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Drunk driving is a major problem in America
Drunk driving is a major problem in our country and can lead to deadly accidents. One-third of all fatal accidents involve a drunk driver. Drunk driving is also a major cause of death among children. In 2010, there were 211 deaths of children who were in a car with a drunk driver.
Drunk driving is a serious problem that affects millions of people across the country. It is estimated that drunk drivers cause more than 10,000 traffic deaths each year in the U.S. and are responsible for an estimated $30 billion in direct damages. Drunk drivers are also at risk when riding motorcycles, jet skis, and boats. The statistics for alcohol-impaired driving vary greatly by age, gender, and location. However, the most common demographics for drunk driving are young men, motorcyclists, and people with prior DUI convictions.
It causes serious injuries
A drunk driver’s reckless actions often result in serious car accidents. These collisions often result in fires and explosions. Additionally, they can cause serious burn injuries due to the friction created by the vehicle’s collision with the road. This often requires extensive medical treatment and even a hospital stay.
Even a small amount of alcohol can impair a driver’s coordination, reflexes, and judgment. This impairment makes drunk drivers dangerous to drive and often causes catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians who are hit by a drunk driver often have little chance of survival. Even if they do survive the crash, they are in danger of suffering serious injuries and sometimes even losing their lives.
It can lead to wrongful death
If you or someone you love has recently been killed in an accident caused by drunk driving, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. There are specific requirements that must be followed to bring a wrongful death claim. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death. This time frame is vital because evidence deteriorates over time and memories can be faulty. A skilled Orange County wrongful death attorney can help you with the process. He or she will collect evidence, question witnesses, and fight for your rights.
A drunk driving case will typically involve the driver, the vehicle owner, the vendor of alcohol, the employer of the drunk driver, and any other parties who were involved in the accident. A drunk driving case can be complex, but it is still possible to recover compensation for the death of a loved one. While the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is four years, drunk driving cases have a two-year statute of limitations. Before filing a drunk driving lawsuit, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney. An attorney can help you gather evidence that can prove your case, including blood tests, breathalyzer tests, and crash reconstruction.
It can increase auto insurance premiums
A DUI conviction can drastically increase your car insurance premiums. The reason for this is that insurance companies consider drunk drivers to be extremely high-risk drivers. Statistically, alcohol-impaired drivers will make up 30% of all crashes by 2020. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your insurance rates after a DUI conviction.
The first step to decrease your premiums after a DUI is to maintain a clean driving record. Insurance companies use specialized credit scores to assign lower premiums to drivers with good credit histories. You should check your credit score frequently. If you have a poor credit score, you should work to raise it to improve your insurance scores. Also, if you maintain a good driving record, you may be eligible for lower rates from a high-risk insurer.
It can lead to higher court costs
Drunk driving can have a wide range of consequences, including jail time, higher insurance premiums, and higher court costs. In some cases, the costs can be as much as $15,000, and even more for a repeat offender. In addition to the fines and court costs, a DUI can also affect someone’s ability to get a job or transport their children. Having to pay for taxis and other forms of transportation can be an inconvenience that can put a strain on a person’s finances.
In addition to the cost of court fees, an offender may face serious psychological consequences from the experience. For example, some perpetrators can develop severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and scary thoughts. This is why it’s important to never drive after drinking, no matter how intoxicated you are. If you have to drive, call a friend or use a taxi.