The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) kicked off its annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign late last month and the campaign continued through the Labor Day weekend. Law enforcement agencies throughout the United States participate in the campaign, which is aimed at cracking down on drunk driving while educating the public on the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
Drunk Driving Statistics in Florida
Recent statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) illustrate the continuing problem of drunk driving in Florida. These statistics show that in recent years there have been:
- 676 fatalities related to drunk driving, representing over one-quarter of all traffic fatalities;
- 40,677 arrests for driving under the influence which have resulted in over 26,000 driving under the influence convictions; and
- 113,076 individuals in Florida convicted of driving under the influence at least 3 times; 11,681 of these have been convicted five or more times.
These statistics demonstrate that Florida motorists are at risk of being involved in a drunk driving crash that may result in a fatality. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates these risks typically increase over the Labor Day weekend.
What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
A drunk driving crash has a higher risk of involving serious or fatal injuries. Your first task after being involved in a crash in which you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol is to tend to your injuries and the injuries of others. Be sure to summon emergency assistance if you are able to do so. Because you may be entitled to recover monetary damages for your injuries, losses, and expenses after such a crash, you should also try to:
- Record as much information about the driver as possible, including the driver’s appearance, mannerisms, odors, and any statements the driver made. Also look for signs of alcohol or drug consumption such as open alcohol containers in the driver’s vehicle and/or marijuana buds (for example).
- Record as much information about the accident as you can remember. What did you remember the other driver doing before striking your vehicle? What were you doing? What were the weather conditions and road conditions? All of this information can be helpful in establishing the fault of the other driver and minimizing any reduction in your compensation because of comparative negligence.
- Contact a Tallahassee drunk driving crash attorney to represent you. You only have a limited time in which to file a claim seeking compensation and damages for the crash. If you fail to prepare and file your case before the expiration of this deadline, you will lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries forever.
At Fasig & Brooks in Tallahassee, we are experienced in helping drunk driving crash victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Call our office at (850) 222-3232 to set up your free initial consultation today.
