Drunk Drivers Endanger Everyone

There are many things in life that we may choose to take part in at any given time. There is no question that one of the most dangerous activities we can take part in on a daily basis is driving our cars. Automobile accidents often result in injury and even death and when you combine various factors such as high speed, reckless driving, and other negative behaviors it is easy to see how the road can be such a dangerous place.

One of these negative behaviors that can harm others who share the road is drinking and driving. While it is certainly possible that if we drink and drive we may wreck our vehicles and injure or even kill ourselves, it’s not just ourselves we put at risk when we choose to drink and drive. It is also every other person who may be on the road at the same time. This can include mothers driving with their young children in their car, young adults who may be behind the wheel for the first time, an entire family on their way back from vacation, and yes, even you. When someone chooses to have a few drinks and get behind the wheel, they are endangering themselves and everyone else who shares the road with them.

Think that drunk driving accidents are rare and that such an incident will never affect you? Here are some incredibly scary statistics provided by M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) that tell another story:

Someone is injured in an accident involving alcohol every 2 minutes

Someone is KILLED every 51 minutes in an accident involving a drunk driver

2 out of 3 people will be affected by a drunk driver at some point during their lifetime.

These statistics are incredibly scary. But there are a few things we can do to help decrease the number of drunk drivers on the road. Firstly, if you ever have a drink, simply do not get behind the wheel. Personal responsibility is the biggest factor that can help contribute to lowering these drunk driving incidences. Secondly, if you see a friend or a loved one trying to drive after having had too much to drink, take their keys. This is never an easy situation and often leads to an argument. But hurt feelings are much better than a loved one being injured, killed, or doing the same to another person. Finally, if you see someone driving who appears to be impaired, call 911 immediately and report the vehicle and tag number.

One drunk driver can put at risk every single person they drive past during their route. This could be hundreds of even thousands of cars. The problem is a huge one, no question. If you or a friend or family member is ever involved in a drunk driving related accident, contact an attorney immediately. While nothing can ever take away the pain of a serious automobile accident, you can at least be fairly compensated under the limits of their insurance policy and the law.