Drunk drivers injure or kill innocent people daily in this country. States have all taken action to try to thwart these crashes from occurring, but some drivers still choose to operate a vehicle while they’re intoxicated.
Everybody knows that drinking and driving is a bad idea, so who is still doing it? When it comes to drunk drivers, men are overwhelmingly responsible for causing crashes. In particular, men who are 21 to 34 years of age are the most likely to drive drunk, and many of them are “binge” drinkers who overindulge in spurts.
What can motorists do to protect themselves from drunk drivers?
One of the best ways to protect yourself from a drunk driver is to wear your seat belt. This simple action can reduce the chance of a serious injury or even death by about 50%. You should also keep an eye out for vehicles that might be operated by an impaired driver. Look out for drivers who are:
- Swerving between lanes
- Stopping for no reason
- Failing to obey traffic control devices
- Straddling the yellow line
- Forgetting their headlights in the dark
- Turning abruptly or without a turn signal
Anyone who’s struck by a drunk driver should ensure they get immediate medical care. You can pursue a claim for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage and other losses against the negligent driver. You may also look to hold the person or business that provided the alcohol responsible for “over-serving” the driver. That may open up the door for additional compensation if your injuries are serious. An attorney can help you learn more.