The holiday season is one of the busiest times on the nation’s roadways, and due to inclement weather and slippery roads, it is also considered one of the most dangerous. President Barack Obama has declared December to be National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in order to curtail some of these holiday fatalities that could otherwise be prevented. While it may be a tradition to enjoy a glass of spiked eggnog around the holiday table, it is also important to know the many dangers that occur when driving while intoxicated. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident contact a Cleveland car accident attorney today.
Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving
In 2014, there was 271 fatalities caused by drunk driving, where the driver had a .08 blood alcohol content, BAC, or higher. These deaths constitute 27.4 percent of overall traffic deaths and 30.3 percent increase from 2013. This statistic is coupled with over 7,000 alcohol related injuries in 2014 and over 12,000 alcohol related crashes. According to the national organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), drunk driving fatalities have cost Ohio taxpayers $1.3 billion. These accidents can be entirely prevented if more people understand the dangers of drunk driving and make a concerted effort to abstain from the activity.
In 2015, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has already administered 23,000 Operating a Vehicle Impaired, or OVI, citations in 2015 so far. This statistics shows the prevalence of impaired drivers on Ohio roads. And, while many offenders are caught, many continue to drive under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.
Drunk Driving Takes Lives
Across the nation, drunk drivers are responsible for killing about 10,000 people annually which constitutes around one third of traffic related deaths. Driving under the influence of drugs is also becoming increasingly more common in the US, although it is more difficult to detect by law enforcement. Both forms of impaired driving entail serious risks to safety of everyone on the road. A nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, occurring from December 16, 2015, through January 1, 2016, seeks to curtail some of these actions by irresponsible drivers.
The president, through the proclamation of this awareness month, urges all Americans to designate a sober driver, stay in place if too impaired to drive or organize other means of transportation in order to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities this month. The holidays are a time for getting together and celebrating family. Nothing can hurt families more than deaths or serious injuries do to the carelessness of intoxicated drivers.
Contact a Cleveland Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car accident in Cleveland or Cuyahoga County, the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers is here to help you get through it. Whether you require assistance negotiating with insurance companies, litigating against other drivers or just general legal consultation on personal injury matters, we have the experience and skills to set you on the right track. Timing can make all this difference. Take charge now and contact us today for a free consultation. We promise to fight hard on your behalf.
