4 Tragic Statistics That Highlight the Dangers of Drunk Driving
Most people know the dangers of driving under the influence, yet an alarming number of motorists choose to make a habit out of this deadly practice. In 2015, nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities involved a drunk driver. These collisions killed more than 10,200 people, and thousands more were injured in alcohol-related accidents.
What these numbers do not convey is the tremendous physical and emotional hardship suffered by victims and their families. Those who are fortunate enough to survive often face an uphill climb to recovery.
The cost of emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other medical treatment can be exorbitant. Some victims are sidelined from work for several weeks or even months while they recover, and the lost wages threaten their families’ financial security.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash with a drunk driver, you should not have to pay for these losses out of your own pocket. Contact Laborde Earles Law Firm to discuss your options for recovering compensation.
In addition to economic and non-economic damages, you may be able to recover punitive damages if the at-fault driver was intoxicated. A Lafayette auto accident attorney from our firm will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Let’s examine four tragic statistics that highlight the dangers of drunk driving:
- In 2015, 209 children were killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents.
This statistic was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it means that 16 percent of all children younger than 14 who died in traffic crashes might have survived if the at-fault driver had been sober.
- About 1 in 3 people will eventually be involved in an alcohol-related crash.
This statistic from BAC Track highlights the alarming frequency of these accidents. If everyone who confessed to drunk driving in 2010 (17 million people) had their own state, it would be the fifth-largest state in the country.
- On average, about 28 people die every day in alcohol-related accidents.
That means more than one person dies every hour in a drunk driving crash.
- In 2015, 27 percent of motorcyclists who were involved in fatal collisions had a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.
This statistic comes from the Insurance Information Institute. The rate of alcohol-related traffic deaths is higher among motorcycle riders than drivers of any other type of vehicle. About 37 percent of motorcyclists between the ages 35 and 39 who died in motorcycle crashes in 2015 were impaired.
Despite the overwhelming evidence that demonstrates the dangers of drunk driving, far too many people choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. If you were injured by an impaired motorist in Louisiana, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm to discuss your options for recovering compensation.
Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Lafayette. You can learn more about drunk driving accident claims here: http://drunk-driving-accident.usattorneys.com/louisiana/.