Drunk driving is a major cause of fatal car accidents nationwide

It comes as no surprise that thousands of Americans, including Pennsylvanians, are killed every year in drunk driving accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over 10,000 people in the United States were killed in accidents involving a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. Studies have shown that one-third of all accident deaths in the United States are caused by drivers with a blood alcohol level of over .08.

Despite being warned about the potential tragedies of drunk driving, many Americans still choose to drive while under the influence. The CDC found that 1.8 percent of adults admitted to driving while impaired at least once during the previous month. Many of these 4.2 million adults have admitted to doing so more than once during that month.

Out of the estimated 121 million incidents involving alcohol-impairment, nearly 80 percent of these incidents involve men. Younger men between the ages of 21 and 34 contribute to 32 percent of the total. Binge drinkers in particular are more likely to drive while drunk.

While death is the worst consequence of a car accident, it is not the only possible consequence. The most recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report finds that drunk driving accidents were responsible for approximately 326,000 non-fatal injuries. These injuries include fractures, burns, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, all of which can result in severe pain and disability.

The Traffic Safety Administration finds that two out of every three people will be involved in an alcohol-impaired accident at some point during their lives. With these staggering numbers, it can be comforting to know that if you are ever involved in such an accident, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver and recover damages for your injuries. While nothing can undo a tragic accident, financial compensation may help put you on the path to recovery.

Source: MedicalDaily.com, “One-Third Of All Fatal Car Crashes Caused By Drunk Drivers, Yet 4 Million Americans Still Drive Under The Influence,” Susan Scutti, Aug. 10, 2015