While it is unfortunate that there are many dangers present on roadways, it is a reality that many drivers in Massachusetts and other states must face. Even when drivers seek to improve safety by following the rules of the road and upholding his or her duties of care while behind the wheel, this does not protect them from negligent drivers, especially those that are reckless on the roads. When an intoxicated driver gets behind the wheel of the car, they not only risk their own life but the lives of many others. Moreover, the damage caused by a drunk driving accident is often significant, resulting frequently in serious injuries, fatalities and severe damages.
According to the United States Census report on fatal accidents and crash severity, in 2009, 5,505,000 crashes occurred. This means that a police-report was made about an event that produced injury, death or property damage and involved a motor vehicle. Of those reported accidents, it was reported that 38,000 were fatal accidents.
The data for 2009 also reported that 45,230 drivers were involved in fatal accidents, and of those collisions, 22.3 percent involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent of greater. Those at the greatest risk of being involved in a fatal DUI accident were those between the ages of 21 and 24, followed by those between the ages of 25 and 34. Lastly, the data suggested that the vehicle type at the greatest risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident is a motorcycle.
What does this data suggest? The information and statistics provided in this report suggests that drunk drivers contribute heavily to the total amount of fatal accidents on the roadways. The severity of a crash is often increased when a driver is negligent, and drunk driving accidents are often serious and involve fatalities.
When an individual or a loved one is harmed or killed in a drunk driving accident, it is important to note the rights and remedies afforded to victims and the loved ones of a deceased victim. A personal injury claim or a wrongful death suit could be filed and might result in compensation being awarded for the damages and losses caused by an intoxicated driver.
Source: Census.gov, “Crashes by Crash Severity: 1990 to 2009,” accessed June 9, 2015
