New York residents should know about the dangers of impaired driving; even one alcoholic beverage can affect driving performance and increase the risk of an accident. There is no better time to raise awareness of this than the holiday season, which is partly why President Trump has signed a proclamation designating December 2017 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
The Trump administration has done several things to reduce the number of fatalities resulting from impaired driving; for example, it supports American companies devoted to innovations like ride-hailing services and the manufacturing of self-driving vehicles, and it has even reduced harmful regulations to smooth the way for technological development. However, as the president recognizes, every individual has a responsibility to try and prevent impaired driving. Bringing up the topic with family, friends, schools, and community organizations is encouraged.
The stakes can be high, as several statistics show. The proclamation states that in America, one person dies about every 50 minutes in an alcohol-related crash. While alcohol no longer causes the majority of traffic fatalities like it did 40 years ago, the numbers are still worrying: in 2016, alcohol contributed to 28 percent of traffic fatalities, claiming the lives of more than 10,000 people. Back in 2012, a survey showed that 4.2 million Americans admitted to driving drunk at least once within a 30-day period.
When impaired driving leads to a motor vehicle accident, the victim has the right to compensation via a personal injury claim. If the accident ends in a fatality, the decedent’s family could file a wrongful death suit. Either way, the client may benefit from speaking with an attorney. The lawyer may assess the claim; hire experts to bring together police reports, crash histories, and other important documents; and either negotiate for a settlement out of court or help the victim proceed straight to litigation.