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SpanishCalifornia’s expansive roadway system is an effective means of travel throughout the state. These roads and highways are in constant use day and night. Most drivers wisely choose to operate their vehicles safely. However, there are those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. Such negligent behavior can lead to tragedy.
Everyday, impaired drivers are involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents. It is estimated that nationwide, someone is killed every 51 minutes in a drunk driver-related accident. This adds up to almost 30 fatalities per day.
So what steps might be taken to help combat this very serious problem? In the interest of reducing the number of fatalities and injuries caused by impaired drivers, the Centers for Disease Control make the following suggestions:
- Promptly confiscate driver’s licenses from those who operate motor vehicles while under the influence.
- Actively enforce all existing laws regarding blood alcohol content and minimum drinking age.
- Employ the use of sobriety checkpoints.
- Increase the tax level on the sale of alcohol.
- When needed, require DWI offenders to undergo assessment and treatment for substance abuse issues.
While these suggestions bear consideration, the unfortunate fact is that there will likely always be negligent drivers who choose to operate vehicles while intoxicated. These drivers could be responsible for the deaths of many innocent victims. In the aftermath of fatal accidents, the families of these victims could suffer both emotionally and financially for some time to come.
If you lose a loved one in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may wish to seek justice and compensation. A California motor vehicle accident attorney may be able to help you work with insurance companies and prepare a lawsuit.