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In Support of Alcohol Awareness Month

April 25th, 2017
Alcohol Awareness Month

Alcohol-related vehicle injuries and deaths are preventable, yet drinking and driving remains a prevalent problem across the country. April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness and providing the facts on this important issue. We’re sharing statistics and reminders that can help prevent this dangerous activity.

Alcohol impairs safe driving skills such as judgment, concentration, comprehension, coordination, visual acuity and reaction time. Because of these factors, driving under the influence or drunk driving greatly increases the risk of car accidents, highway injuries and vehicular deaths. Driving requires full attention and the ability to make quick decisions. Alcohol reduces a person’s ability to react to road and changes in environment, making normally difficult maneuvers dangerous and potentially lethal.

Powerful statistics on alcohol and driving:

  • On average, two in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime. (NHTSA)
  • An estimated 32% of fatal car crashes involve an intoxicated driver or pedestrian. (NHTSA)
  • Over 1.2 million drivers were arrested in 2011 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. (FBI)
  • Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and about a quarter of those crashes involve an underage drinking driver. (SAMHSA)

Statistics courtesy of:
NHTSA-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
FBI-Federal Bureau of Investigation
SAMHSA-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Driving under the influence is a crime. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws targeting driving while under the influence of alcohol. While specific laws vary from state to state, it’s clear that driving under the influence not only impacts the impaired drivers – it could also have a profound impact on the lives of many others.

The negative effects of alcohol can be prevented. Take precautions when consuming alcohol, and don’t drink and drive. Select a designated driver before having the first drink, or call a ride-sharing service or taxi. Take someone’s keys if they’ve had too much to drink. No amount of alcohol is worth putting your life and the lives of everyone else on the road at risk.

We represent victims who have been injured in alcohol-related accidents; this topic hits home for our attorneys. If you or a loved one are in an alcohol-related accident, contact a Dale E. Anstine personal injury attorney. We represent victims in Central Pennsylvania , and our offices are based in York and Gettysburg. Consultations are always free, we are available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win for you.