Alcohol-impaired driving is a major concern on Alaskan roads making awareness an important topic of discussion. On average, 30 Americans die every day as a result of alcohol-impaired driving. The positive is that alcohol-impaired driving is preventable with planning and consideration.
Authorities on the subject estimate $44 billion is lost to accidents relating to alcohol every year.
Statistics state a person dies due to an impaired driver every 50 minutes. In 2016, over 10,000 people died on the roads due to intoxication crashes, including 214 children between the ages of 0 and 14. Young people are at a higher risk of being hurt in an accident, regardless of the level of intoxication.
Fatal crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08% appear more often towards the younger side of the age spectrum. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 account for a third of all intoxication influenced traffic fatalities.
Prevention is extremely important where alcohol and driving are a concern.
If you are drinking, always designate a non-drinking driver in your group. If you do not have someone designated, call a ride-share service or find another way home after drinking. When you drink and drive, you put other drivers at risk – not just yourself. Never let your friends drive after drinking alcohol, this protects them and others on the road. If you host a party, remind guests to plan ahead.
People hurt in automobile accidents in Alaska may have substantial economic damages in addition to physical injuries. On top of the cost of medical treatment, there may be harm to equipment such as a car, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Permanent disability or loss of capacity may also be a consideration for obtaining compensation. An attorney may be able to help in itemizing damages, determining worth and developing a personal injury civil suit that requests redress.
The Merdes Law Office has been helping Alaskans for more than 30 years. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
