Over the past year, everyone has had to deal with changes in our lives related to the outbreak of the coronavirus. While most people have taken steps to protect themselves and others from being infected, such as staying home whenever possible, some people’s actions have put others at risk of harm. One key concern that has affected many people is the possibility that more people will drive while intoxicated due to alcohol or drug use, increasing the chances of drunk driving accidents. Those who have been injured in collisions with drunk drivers will want to work with a personal injury lawyer to determine their options for receiving financial compensation.
Facts and Statistics Related to Drunk Driving Accidents
While the exact numbers of car accidents related to intoxicated driving in 2020 and early 2021 are not yet known, a number of troubling statistics indicate that more people are driving drunk and putting others at risk. These include:
- Surveys showed that 7.6% of people were more likely to drive while intoxicated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the percentage of people who used designated drivers or other alternatives to drunk driving decreased from 82.3% in 2019 to 75.7% in 2020.
- In the first few months of 2020, purchases of alcohol from physical stores increased by 21%, and online purchases increased by 234%.
- A study of several hospitals between March and July of 2020 found that around two thirds of people who suffered serious or fatal injuries in car accidents tested positive for alcohol or drugs.
- In the first six months of 2020, the miles driven by people in the United States decreased by 17%, but there was a 20% increase in car accident fatalities.
- In Madison, Wisconsin, arrests for operating while intoxicated (OWI) decreased by 21.3% in 2020, but the city saw 15 fatal car accidents, when the city usually experiences between seven and 10 fatal crashes per year.
During the pandemic, there have been fewer vehicles on the road as more people have stayed at home and limited their travel. However, clearer roads may have led some to act more recklessly and dangerously. When combined with the increased use of drugs and alcohol as people cope with the stress and difficulties they are experiencing, this has led to situations where drivers take actions that put others at risk of serious injury.
Regardless of the reasons why a person may choose to drive while intoxicated, doing so is illegal, and it is likely to lead to dangerous collisions that cause injuries to others. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, our attorneys can help you take steps to recover financial compensation. We will work to gather evidence showing that the driver acted negligently, and we will fight to hold them responsible for your injuries and damages.
Contact Our Green Bay Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we can provide the legal help you need following an accident with a drunk driver. To arrange a free consultation and learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve, contact our Appleton car accident attorneys at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/program-expansion-to-address-increase-of-impaired-driving-during-global-covid-19-pandemic
https://madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/a-really-disturbing-trend-2020-saw-fewer-cars-on-dane-county-roads-more-dangerous-driving/article_16e87f04-2783-5dc8-9fb1-75027149f2b8.html
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/12/28/2150931/0/en/TIRF-USA-releases-Road-Safety-Monitor-Alcohol-Impaired-Driving-Risky-Driving-During-COVID-19-in-the-United-States-2020.html