Why DUI Crashes Increase in the Summer
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each day about 28 Americans die in DUI crashes. Drunk driving typically increases in the summertime when people are more likely to take vacations and want to cool down with a “cold one.” According to moneygeek.com, summer has the highest rate of DUI fatalities, with 28% of the year’s DUI-related deaths projected to happen in the summer of 2022.
According to drunkdrivinprevention.com, approximately 1.5 million people are arrested every year for driving under the influence of alcohol. We know that drunk driving is a serious threat to traffic safety, not to mention a public health concern. These arrests occur despite the fact that all states have restrictions on driving with a (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher (Utah’s is 0.05). BAC stands for blood alcohol content and represents the amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream. The more alcohol present, the more chance that a person’s motor skills and judgement will be impaired.
Summer DUI statistics
According to data from the NHTSA, the percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2018 was highest in the months of May, June, and July. Independence Day typically has very high rates of DUI crashes with so many people out celebrating. In fact, the NHTSA warns that the Fourth of July weekend is one of the most dangerous weekends to be on the road because of impaired drivers with 812 people killed in crashes involving drunk or drugged drivers on or near the Fourth of July holiday between 2014 and 2018.
Drunk drivers who cause accidents are subject to criminal penalties but it is up to the injured party to hire a car accident lawyer who can help them bring a civil suit against the negligent party in order to receive compensation for their losses.
We Fight for Victims of DUI Crashes
Tario & Associates, P.S. has over 40 years’ experience representing victims of drunk and drugged driving car accidents. When you have been seriously injured through no fault of your own, you may need a legal advocate who will fight for the settlement you deserve. Car accident attorneys typically offer free consultations and no up-front fees; accepting payment from a percentage of the settlement. Call a local injury lawyer for help today.
Ferndale Driver Sent Hospitalized After Late-Night DUI Crash on I-5
As reported by kgmi.com, 20-year-old Dylan Ferry of Blaine was taken into custody on charges of vehicular assault and driving with a suspended license after he got out of his disabled car and abandoned it in the left lane of southbound I-5 just after 10 p.m. on Sunday, August 7. A Ferndale woman crashed into the abandoned vehicle, sending it into the median where it flipped and landed on its top. The woman was injured and transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Troopers said drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.
What is vehicular assault?
In many states, vehicular assault is defined as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing serious bodily injury to another person. In Washington State, RCW 46.61.522 states:
(1) A person is guilty of vehicular assault if he or she operates or drives any vehicle:
(a) In a reckless manner and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or
(b) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 46.61.502, and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or
(c) With disregard for the safety of others and causes substantial bodily harm to another.
(2) Vehicular assault is a class B felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(3) As used in this section, “substantial bodily harm” has the same meaning as in RCW 9A.04.110.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
