Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Alcohol and Driving: A Deadly Combination
All accidents and injuries are tragic.
Drunk driving accidents are not only tragic, they are inexcusable as they can so easily be prevented by not operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Alcohol related (drunk driving) accidents, while seemingly a victimless crime are not only tragic but most often deadly. Alcohol-related traffic accidents accounted for nearly 17,000 deaths and over 700,000 injuries in the United States in 2005. The national economic loss is estimated at more than $50 billion every year.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “A motor vehicle crash is considered to be alcohol-related if at least one driver or non-occupant (such as a pedestrian or pedalcyclist) involved in the crash is determined to have had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 gram per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.”
Driving while intoxicated is dangerous and drivers with high blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) are at greatly increased risk of car accidents, highway injuries and vehicular deaths.
Drunk Driving Statistics (2005):
- Alcohol-related traffic fatalities accounted for 39% of all traffic fatalities.
- Alcohol-related traffic accidents accounted for 7% of all traffic accidents.
- 1 alcoholic-related fatality occurred approximately every 31 minutes.
- 13,000 of the fatalities involved a driver with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher.
- Over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
- 1 driver was arrested for DUI for every 139 licensed drivers.
- The highest percentage (32%) of DUI arrests involved drivers ages 21-24.
How a Massachusetts OUI Accident Attorney Can Help
Any driver is liable for damage to property or injury to you or your family members. If you or a loved one have been the victim of an alcohol related accident, do not hesitate to ask a Boston car accident injury lawyer about the compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.
The Massachusetts personal injury law firm Kiley Law Group is here to help you receive the maximum settlement for your personal injury case.
Call 1-888-208-1695 for a Free Consultation.
