According to statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 30 people in the United States die every day from traffic accidents caused by drunk driving. While these types of incidents have dropped dramatically in the past 30 years, they still account for more than 10,000 deaths per year and more than $44 billion in annual damages. For pedestrians, drivers and passengers on the road in Missouri and other states, alcohol intoxication remains a serious threat.
As blood alcohol concentration rises, it has increasingly negative effects on a driver. At .02, there is some decline in visual functions and loss of ability to perform two tasks at once. At .05, there is reduced coordination and the reduced ability to track moving objects. At the legal limit of .08, there is impaired concentration, speed control, information processing capability and perception. Impairment continues to get worse as BAC increases beyond this point.
Those who decide to drink need to behave responsibly and avoid driving while intoxicated. If they’re going out for the night, they should plan a safe mode of transportation ahead of time. If someone is hosting a party with alcohol, they should do their best to ensure that everyone leaves with a sober driver. When someone notices a drunk person trying to get behind the wheel, they should try to intervene.
The victim of a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver may have the right to compensation from the responsible party. The first step is to contact an attorney who can evaluate the evidence gathered by law enforcement as well as other information about the accident. Legal counsel could help their client determine if pursuing legal action is the right path forward. Attorneys who work on injury cases generally will not require a fee unless they can get compensation for the client.
