YOUNG DRIVERS AND ALCOHOL RELATED ACCIDENTS

Every year over 11,000 individuals are involved in alcohol related fatal accidents throughout the United States, according to recent statistics from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). When a driver chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, their reaction time is often decreased and as a result, serious accidents can occur. Unfortunately, individuals who are involved in these accidents often sustain serious and  life threatening injuries.  Even though anyone can be involved in a drunk driving accident at any time, the majority of accidents involve young and inexperienced drivers.

Young Drivers are one of the groups most likely at risk for being in an accident involving the use of alcohol.  Among the drivers who were recorded with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) above 0.08%, which is the legal limit across the US, more than 1 out of 3 were between the ages of 21 and 24.  Statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) show that over 159 million alcohol impaired driving trips were made in 2002 and 10% of those trips (18 million) were made by young adults between the ages of 18-20.  Other groups that are most at risk for being involved in an alcohol related accident include motorcyclists and drivers who have prior DWI convictions.

If your child is a new driver or just turning 21, it is important to discuss the dangers of drinking and driving with them. Remind them to:

• Always designate someone to be the designated driver.  A designated driver is someone who won’t be drinking that night to ensure that he/she can drive everyone safely home.

• Have the number to a cab company on hand in case you get stranded or in case you are left without a designated driver.

• Instead of going out drinking on the town, opt to have a party indoors instead. Have everyone leave their keys at the door and stay in for the night.  In the morning, people can wake up refreshed and drive home.

• Contact their local police department if they suspect that someone on the road is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Remember to give them the description of the car, the location and direction they’re headed.

If your child or someone you know was injured by a drunk driver, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney immediately. State laws hold drunk drivers liable for all injuries and damages that have occurred as a result of their negligence. In addition, criminal charges may need to be filed against the other driver, especially if the accident resulted in wrongful death.

A good personal injury attorney can help you recover damages for accidents related to a careless drunk driver. If you have suffered a temporary disability or are permanently disabled because someone else had too much to drink and decided to drive, we'll make sure that your damages demand includes and explains the full amount needed for your future financial security and maximum possible comfort.

For more information about our commitment to clients involved in DUI related car accident cases, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in your state.