The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), a unit of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently published a pamphlet that focuses on highlighting the dangers of drunk driving throughout the United States. The data also focuses on intoxicated driving in Pennsylvania. According to the statistics, more than 10,000 people die every year in America because of drunk drivers. In Pennsylvania, 3,697 drunk driving fatalities occurred between the years of 2009 and 2018.
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System also revealed that 1.7 percent of American adults admitted to intoxicated driving. In Pennsylvania, 1.8 of adults admitted to drunk driving. These statistics show that drunk driving remains a problem throughout the United States, especially in Pennsylvania.
Does Gender Play a Role in Drunk Driving Fatality Rates?
The statistics show that male drivers are much more likely to be fatally injured in drunk driving car accidents compared to female motorists. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System stated that 4.9 men per 100,000 died in drunk driving accidents in the United States in 2018, and 1.6 women per 100,000 died in such accidents. The trend was parallel in Pennsylvania as well.
Does Age Affect Drunk Driving Fatality Rates?
According to the data, drivers who are between 21 to 34 years old are more likely to die in drunk driving collisions. Drunk driving fatalities in this age group account for 6.2 per 100,000 people nationally and 5 per 100,000 in Pennsylvania. For all age groups combined, the rates are 3.2 per 100,000 nationally and 2.6 per 100,000 in Pennsylvania.
How Can Drunk Driving be Prevented?
In addition to strict laws, publicized and frequent sobriety check points and more police officers serve as deterrents to drunk driving. The use of ignition interlock systems for convicted drunk driving offenders also keep the roads safer.
Alcohol assessment and treatment programs help lessen drunk drivers on the roads. Other intervention techniques, such as those offered in schools, health care services, and in community settings, are also effective ways to reduce these types of accidents.
What Should I Do if I am Hit by a Drunk Driver?
If a driver plans to consume alcohol, it is best to arrange for transportation ahead of time. A motorist can plan to call a rideshare service or find a friend or family member that will help.
If a motorist is hit by a drunk driver, they should contact a lawyer about their options. A drunk driver is liable for a car wreck, and a victim may be eligible to collect damages. Skilled legal counsel will assess the case and fight to protect the rights of their client.
West Chester County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Win Damages for Clients Injured by Drunk Drivers
If you were seriously hurt in a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, you might be able to collect compensation to pay for medical costs and vehicular damage. Our West Chester county car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. protect drunk driving victims. We help accident victims get the compensation that they need and deserve. Complete our online form or call us at 610-565-3701 for a free consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.