National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Shines the Light on the Dangers of Drunk Driving

It’s a scary thought, but every day drunk drivers are on the road. In fact, about 30 people die each day across this nation in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Shockingly, this information means that one person dies every 51 minutes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, alcohol-related crashes that lead to injuries and fatalities continue to occur.

These statistics is why it is important to focus on the fact that December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Although great strides have been taken in the past to fight drunk driving, it is always important to bring awareness about impaired driving and that driving drunk is dangerous. Anyone who drives buzzed, drunk, or drugged is putting other drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk. This is because driving impaired can result in a catastrophic crash and the tragic loss of life.

Here are some facts from the CDC about drunk driving:

• Approximately one in three traffic fatalities in this nation involve a drunk driver.
• Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher are considered alcohol-impaired by law.
• The number of fatal crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers have decreased over the recent years; however, drunk drivers continue to get behind the wheel.
• 8,476 people were killed in Florida crashes involving a drunk driver between 2003-2012.

Why December?

The reason why December is a great month to shine the light on the dangers of impaired driving is that it tends to be one of the busiest months on the nation’s roadways and also one of the most dangerous, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). With Christmas and New Year’s coming up, there are more holiday parties and other social events that involve alcohol. As a result, more drunk driving wrecks occur and there is also an increase in DUIs, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Although no one wants to think about their holiday party ending in a tragic crash, it is very likely. This is why it is very important for all drivers to drive safely and responsibly around the holidays. Not only should drivers do this during the month of December, but they should dedicate every day to safe driving in order to stay safe and keep others sharing the road with them safe.

Some safe driving tips include:

• Always plan ahead. If you are going to a holiday party, it is possible you may consume alcohol. Designate a driver ahead of time, call a taxi, or call a sober family member or friend to come pick you up.
• If someone you know is buzzed, drunk or drugged, do not let them drive. It is critical that you help someone avoid driving impaired. You may even save a life.
• Always buckle your seat belt when you get behind the wheel or even as a passenger in someone else’s car. You never know which driver you are sharing the road with is impaired.
• Always report a suspected drunk driver to the police so that innocent lives can be saved.

If you have been harmed or a loved one died in a drunk driving crash caused by someone else, you need to talk with an accident attorney about your rights. You can call the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at (954) 677-0155 to speak with a knowledgeable South Florida personal injury lawyer in a free consultation today.