You Could Save Lives Says Concerned Car Accident Attorney
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on our roads today. To reduce the number of drunk driving related accidents, everyone who goes out for a drink should choose a sober designated driver before leaving his or her house. This would save a lot of lives and spare numerous families the agony and suffering that they have to go through after the loss of a loved one. Several strategies have been put in place to reduce or prevent drunk driving. The majority of these strategies have proven to be effective in reducing the number of drunk drivers on our roads today.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, then you definitely need to contact a car accident attorney who is experienced in this field. You are entitled to some compensation and you do not need to suffer because of someone else’s wrongdoing.
1. Drunk driving laws
Many states’ drunk driving laws state that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or more than 0.08%. Additionally, there are zero tolerance laws that have made it completely illegal for individuals under 21 to drive with any amount of measurable alcohol content in their system. These two laws have had a considerable impact on highway safety in all fifty states. They have deterred many people from drunk driving and have therefore saved thousands of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from injury and death.
Sobriety checkpoints are sometimes set up at certain busy roads, especially on holidays during which more people tend to drink and drive. They allow police officers to stop cars to check if the driver is drunk. Breath tests are administered if the police officer(s) suspect the driver is intoxicated.
2. Ignition interlocks
Ignition interlocks fitted in vehicles measure alcohol levels in the driver’s breath. They prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver’s BAC is more than a certain value, normally 0.02%. They have been used on individuals found guilty of drunk driving and are very efficient in preventing repeat cases when installed. Authorizing interlocks for every offender, even a first-time offender, will have the most impact.
3. Media campaigns
Mass media campaigns are also another great strategy for reducing drunk driving. They help communicate the legal repercussions and physical dangers related to drunk driving. Apart from urging individuals not to drink and drive, media campaigns have also been used to persuade them to keep other people from doing this.
4. Cancelling of licenses
Administrative license revocation or suspension laws permit the police to seize the driving license of any driver whose BAC level is at or more than the set legal limit. Your license could also be taken if you refuse to get tested. The license could get suspended for days or even months, and this number varies from state to state.
5. Instructional programs
School-based instructional programs are useful and effective when it comes to teaching children not to ride with an intoxicated driver. Below are some useful tips that can be used in educating children about the risks of drunk driving:
- Parents should talk to their kids about the dangers of drunk-driving.
- Children should be educated in schools about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Children should be educated on state laws, such as zero tolerance for those below 21.
Stopping a family member or friend from hitting the road when drunk might be one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life. The family member or friend might listen to you and do what is safe; not drive while intoxicated. Prevention is better than a cure, and at times, a cure is not even an option.
Remember to seek out the services of a skilled car accident attorney if you are injured by a drunk driver. Every action has consequences and it is only right for you to get compensated for the pain and suffering incurred.
Stay safe; do not drink and drive
