Many New York residents are troubled when they learn about the 30 deaths that occur daily due to impaired driving. Car accidents due to drunk driving run up more than $59 billion in costs each year.
Accidents involving a drunk driver account for almost a third of traffic fatalities in the U.S. This figure includes 20 percent of children 14 and under who die in traffic accidents, with over half in the car with the drunk driver. In addition to alcohol, other drugs are involved in about 18 percent of fatal accidents.
Several factors contribute to accidents involving impaired driving. As many as 32 percent of drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents in 2012 were between 21 and 24. Alcohol use is also a major contributor in motorcycle accidents. A majority of drunk drivers are likely to have previous alcohol-related convictions.
Alcohol contributes to 26 percent of the costs involved in crashes in the United States. In 2000, car accidents caused $114.3 billion in damages, with $71.6 billion paid by parties other than the driver. Costs for reach injured survivor average $99,000, while costs for each fatality average $3.5 million.
Car accidents involving drunk drivers cause monetary problems and affect the victims’ quality of life. Many of these accidents cause severe injuries that require a long recovery period, as well as lost wages. When someone dies, the family suffers an emotional toll and may also have to live without income from a primary income earner. Contacting an attorney may be the way for many victims to learn what their best options are.