New York residents should know that only a few countries in the world, including the U.S. and Mexico, allow drivers a blood alcohol limit as high as 0.08 percent. There are some countries such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Russia where it is illegal to drive under the influence of any alcohol at all.
The fact is, drunk driving is blamed for about one-third of all motor vehicle crash fatalities. Young adults, bikers and drivers with a prior DUI record are among the riskiest groups for this behavior. It takes a healthy liver an average of about one hour to process each ounce of alcohol, but an unhealthy liver can take even more time.
There are several reasons why younger drivers are more likely to cause car crashes while influenced by alcohol. Inexperience seems to be one obvious reason, but young adults also tend to ride around in groups, which can contribute to distracted driving.
The actual causes of fatalities resulting from drunk driving accidents are many. Critical brain and other life-threatening internal injuries can occur from blunt-force trauma to the head or body. Loss of blood from serious wounds or internal organ damage can be fatal as well.
More driver checkpoints and harsher consequences for drunk driving violators might help lower the drunk driving fatality statistics. However, if an informed public would make a conscious effort to avoid driving while intoxicated themselves and keep their friends and family from doing the same, the fatal drunk driving accident numbers in this country would drop significantly.
When a family must face the grim outcome of a fatal drunk driving accident, it can be devastating. A personal injury attorney might offer guidance in situations like this. For example, legal counsel may also help negotiate insurance claims or file lawsuits if necessary.