According to a 2009 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wisconsin has the highest rate of drunk driving in the nation. The study revealed that more than 26 percent of Wisconsin adults surveyed admitted that they had driven under the influence of alcohol during the prior year - statistics arguably reflected in the fact that the state had more than 44,000 convictions for drunk driving offenses in 2009.
Everyone knows that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have serious negative consequences. A person convicted of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) may lose his or her driving privileges and face steep fines; repeat offenders may be subject to imprisonment. The criminal penalties increase with aggravating factors, such as an extremely high blood alcohol content level or the presence of child passengers.
However, the true consequences can extend far beyond the criminal penalties. Any time a person drives under the influence of alcohol, that person is putting the safety and well-being of everyone else on the roads at risk. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in 2009, alcohol-related crashes in the state killed 238 people and injured nearly 4,000. When motor vehicle accidents were fatal last year, alcohol was involved nearly 45 percent of the time. Drunk driving can kill.
To avoid drunk driving accidents, don't drive under the influence of alcohol and don't allow friends to drive after drinking. It's quite simple: drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable. Rely on designated drivers or call a cab if no one is able to drive. Drunk driving is not worth the risk.
Ultimately, though, some people will continue to drink and drive. When these people cause accidents or injuries because of this decision, they must be held accountable. In addition to accountability through the criminal-justice system, those who cause car accidents while intoxicated may be held accountable civilly - meaning that those who are injured and the families of those who are killed may be entitled to financial compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured as the result of drunk driving, speak with a personal injury attorney to discuss your potential legal claims.
