According to a representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), impaired driving kills more than 10,500 per year. Furthermore, it causes more than 300,000 injuries per year on Louisiana roads and those throughout the nation. Statistically, drunk driving fatalities are most likely to occur during the summer season or on holidays, such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving.
You need to be especially vigilant on Saturday nights
MoneyGeek’s 2020 DUI traffic fatality forecast suggests that 22.67% of accidents caused by drunk drivers will take place on Saturday. The forecast also predicts that 21.08% of accidents involving impaired motorists will occur on Sunday. This is partially because many accidents take place during the early morning hours when individuals may be heading home from a bar or house party.
What you can do to avoid an accident
There are several steps that can be taken to avoid being arrested for a DUI or getting into an accident. For instance, a designated driver can provide safe transportation home after a night at the bar or drinking in a friend’s backyard. Even if you are sober while behind the wheel, it is important to remain on high alert for other motorists who may not be. It’s generally a good idea to refrain from using a cellphone or doing anything else that could take your focus off of the road.
The cost of drunk driving
Drunk drivers cost the United States economy $130 billion per year. If convicted of a DUI, expect to pay $10,000 or more in legal fees, court costs and fines. Furthermore, there is a good chance that your auto insurance rates will go up.
A drunk driving conviction may result in jail time, a significant fine and other penalties. A criminal defense attorney may help you avoid some, or all, of these consequences. This may be accomplished by casting doubt on the results of a Breathalyzer test or other evidence prosecutors may use during a DUI trial.
