Drunk Driving Facts and Statistics

According to statistics published by many governmental agencies, alcohol-related deaths in traffic accidents accounted for 27 percent of all Arizona traffic fatalities in 2009. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that someone is killed in an alcohol-related crash in this country every 33 minutes. Their statistics further show that approximately 43 percent of fatally injured drivers who were driving while under the influence of alcohol were also found to be speeding. Alcohol clearly negatively affects one's judgment and reaction time. This impairment combined with excessive speed can be a deadly combination.

The NHTSA reports that 8 percent of drivers involved in alcohol-related fatal crashes in 2003 had prior DUI convictions and more than 90 percent of these drivers registered .08 percent blood alcohol concentration or more on breath tests. Additional statistics show that alcohol-consuming drivers had an increased risk of rollover crashes in accidents as opposed to sober drivers. The NHTSA estimates that the average American has a 30 percent risk of injury or death from a drunk driver throughout his or her lifetime. This grim statistic underscores the need for increased vigilance on the part of anyone who gets behind the wheel and increased efforts through legal and social means to reduce the destructive effects of drunk driving.

Drunk Driving Leads to Personal Injury Cases

Those who drink and drive are much more likely to cause accidents resulting in serious injury or death than other drivers. These drivers are guilty of negligence in doing so and can be held legally liable for their harmful actions. Being injured by a drunk driver is one of the most unfair and unfortunate events that can happen to anyone, resulting in physical, emotional, and financial trauma.

Knowles Law Firm, PLC is an experienced and aggressive personal injury law firm that has been representing accident and injury victims in and around Tempe, Arizona for years. If you have been seriously injured in a car crash due to a drunk driver or due to any negligent driver, you should seek professional legal help from one of the dedicated attorneys at the firm. Get the rightful compensation you deserve through an injury claim managed by a firm with a history of effective results. Contact one of the team to discuss your case today.