The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that every day approximately 28 people in the United States are killed due to impaired driving crashes, according to an article published by Forbes Magazine. That averages to more than 10,000 people each year from 2010 to 2019. According to the NHTSA, drunk driving fatalities reached their lowest level in 2019 — about 10,142 deaths — since the year the organization started collecting data on drunk driving in 1982.
Initiatives Against Drunk Driving
Because of the statistics showing that impaired driving is a leading cause of injuries and deaths across the nation, there are many initiatives by governments, not-for-profits, and law enforcement agencies aiming to prevent drunk driving. Some examples include:
- Law enforcement sobriety checkpoints that help authorities reduce accidents, fatalities, and property damage due to impaired driving crashes by approximately 20%, according to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC);
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) teams up with law enforcement on the Saturday before Labor Day — known as “Saturation Saturday” — to promote awareness and host events;
- The NHTSA campaign known as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which runs from December 18 through January 1, aims to educate the public about the dangers of impaired driving;
- The requirement of ignition interlocks on the vehicles of first-time drunk drivers, which is mandated in some states and forces the driver to blow an ignition interlock to start the car, has resulted in the decline in impaired driving-related deaths.
Preventing Impaired Driving
Impaired driving can have serious and even life-altering consequences. Thankfully, these types of accidents are preventable and there are several things you can do to prevent these tragedies from happening.
- Talk about it. Before attending an event, discuss the risks of driving under the influence with friends and family.
- Plan it out. Before attending a party that has alcohol and/or drugs, figure out how you will get home safely.
- Remain sober. Remember that you do not have to drink or use drugs if you attend an event that has them. You always have the choice of remaining sober.
- Give yourself choices. If you happen to become impaired, know that you have options. You can choose to stay where you are (if it is safe), hail a taxi, have a designated driver or hire a ride-sharing service.
- Choose a designated driver. Pick someone in your group who is committed to being sober the entire night and make that person your designated driver to ensure safety for all.
- Watch other drivers. If you think you see an impaired driver on the road, contact the authorities right away. You may save someone’s life.
According to a Forbes analysis of national average rates from 10 large auto insurance companies, a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can result in a driver’s car insurance rates to increase by as much as 67%.
Nevada Injury Attorneys
If you are hurt in Nevada due to an impaired driver due to their negligence or recklessness, our experienced attorneys at H&P Law can help you. Let our skilled personal injury attorneys explain your rights and obligations under Nevada law and fight for the monetary compensation you deserve. Contact us today.
