The phrase was used for a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drive safe campaign for the Labor Day weekend, but it is something drivers need to remember year-round. The costs of DUI accidents are massive on a personal and property damage level.
A recent report released by the NHTSA outlines the disturbing fact that in 2010 alone, there were 13,323 fatalities as a result of individuals driving while impaired. Meanwhile, 430,000 nonfatal injuries racked up a cost of approximately $60 billion.
Together, the comprehensive costs (direct costs such as insurance and medical care) and the cost of lost quality of life returned at $242.6 billion.
It is not all bad news, though. The report also outlines that previously, at least 50 percent of deaths happened as a result of alcohol related collisions. The number has declined to about 40 percent over the last few years.
States are currently debating a NHTSA proposition to lower the BAC to 0.05 percent. While this change would not eliminate the risks associated with driving impaired, it may reduce them, as drivers below the 0.08 threshold have still wreaked deadly havoc across the United States. More than 100 countries have already lowered their levels to 0.05 or lower.
Lee, Gober and Reyna – If you need a personal injury attorney or help with an auto accident, motorcycle accident, wrongful death, or burn injury case, contact Lee, Gober and Reyna by visiting http://www.lgrlawfirm.com or calling 512.800.8000
