There are many private and public media awareness campaigns designed to help people in Texas and throughout the rest of the country understand just how dangerous distracted driving is, but we should not overlook another danger that has been present on the roads since the automobile was invented: drunk driving. But, just how dangerous is drunk driving?
Well, based on the statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some of our readers may be shocked at the true impact of drunk driving in America. According to the NHTSA, approximately 30 people per day die in America in car accidents that involved a person driving under the influence. It is estimated that the scale of damages and deaths caused by drunk driving costs about $44 billion per year.
Fortunately, unlike distracted driving, the statistics show that the number of drunk driving accidents and resultant fatalities have been falling over the last 30 years or so. But still, in one recent year alone, 2017, the NHTSA statistics show that of all fatalities caused in car accidents in America that year, nearly 30 percent involved drunk drivers.
Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol is putting themselves and others at risk on the roads. There is a reason why many states are starting to increase the severity of punishment for DUI-related convictions. A person who has been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver may be able to pursue financial compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
