We live in a world that constantly shifts and moves around us. Drunk driving accidents have steadily declined year over year during recent decades, however, impairment remains a serious issue.
While behind the wheel, fatal highway accidents involve alcohol around 40 percent of the time. According to the Bureau of Transportation, this number fluctuates slightly during the last decade, but the finding remains unchanged: impaired drivers still frequent our roads.
Opiates, and Other Substances
America has seen a rise in opiate addiction over the last several years. In July, a man under the influence of heroin was charged with driving under the influence after hitting a utility pole in Holden. The accident led to his and his passenger’s hospitalization.
Individuals suffering from opiate addiction are likely to turn to drugs such as heroin to replace the effects of prescribed opiates. As the opiate epidemic continues to ravage the United States, there will be an influx of individuals into the heroin market. Coincidentally, a significant number of these individuals likely possess a car, or the means to acquire a car.
Between the influences of alcohol, opiates, or other drugs, the risk of encountering an intoxicated driver is statistically significant. As long as individuals are driving under the influence, it’s a prudent choice to prepare yourself for the situation where an accident takes place.
United States of Texting
In addition to intoxicated drivers, it’s important to watch out for distracted ones. In 2015, approximately 92% of adults in America reported as owning a cell phone. Roughly 85% of individuals between 18 and 50 have smartphones, which require more engagement than a normal cellphone.
Texting behind the wheel is a very common occurrence among American motorists. Driving while texting is a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction, which leads to thousands of accidents per year. If you’re the parent of a new driver, here are a few useful tips and suggestions for lowering his or her chances of getting into an accident:
- Talk with your children about the risks of driving
- Explicitly state your concern for their safety
- Maintain a dialogue over time
- Extend the period during which you supervise your teen’s driving
- Set expectations of driving etiquette on the road
- Write the rules down in a contract between you and your teenager
While you can’t parent every new driver, you can certainly educate your son or daughter to make the best, and safest, decisions while driving on the road.
Contact Us Today
Even with extensive precautions and planning, accidents can still happen. Make sure that you’re as prepared as possible in the face of an accident leading to personal injury. Peter Ventura has extensive experience in this area of practice and has helped his clients realize significant compensation after traumatic personal injuries over the years.
For peace of mind during a long or short drive, retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact Peter Ventura toll-free at 888-251-7535 for a free and always confidential consultation today.
Leave a Reply