Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous activities any motorist can involve themselves in. Accidents that transpire from drunk driving can result in severe injuries or death. In fact, drunk driving is one of the leading causes of death in car accidents throughout the United States. Anyone who has been involved in a drunk driving accident should seek legal help from an attorney who can help them understand their options for recovering compensation for their damages. As a motorist and member of your community, you can also take steps to help prevent drunk driving wherever possible.
Responding to a Drunk Driver
As a bystander, pedestrian, passenger, or fellow motorist, you can help keep yourself and others safe by identifying people who are driving under the influence of alcohol. Common signs such as swerving, making improper turns, not obeying traffic laws, and poor braking procedures are all indicators that a driver is inebriated. If you happen to come across any of these behaviors, reporting the driver to the police could save an innocent life.
Best Practices for Preventing Drunk Driving
Having a night out on the town with some friends, attending an event, celebrating a special occasion, or going out on a date are all common reasons why people consume alcohol. For people under the age of 21, Wisconsin’s “zero tolerance” law makes it illegal for a minor to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol. For adults 21 and over, the legal limit for BAC (blood alcohol content) while driving is 0.08%. While the threat of being arrested for OWI (operating while intoxicated) may discourage drunk driving, the responsibility to operate a vehicle safely falls on the motorist. The following tips can help avoid the possibility of someone being injured in a car accident by a drunk driver:
- Designate a sober driver.
- Look out for others by confiscating the car keys of a person who has been drinking.
- Do not drink alcohol if you are going out alone.
- Plan on staying the night at a friend’s house or hotel room.
- Never get in a car with a drunk driver or encourage a person to drive after drinking.
- Drink a lot of water and eat an abundance of food if you do consume any alcohol.
- Leave your car behind, if necessary; plan to walk, take public transportation, or use a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
While these guidelines seem like actions that any reasonable person would take, motorists often risk innocent lives because they believe they can drive safely after drinking. In these cases, legal action may be necessary to ensure that a drunk driver is held responsible for their actions.
Contact an Appleton Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving occurs regularly in Wisconsin and throughout the United States, and it claims far too many casualties. In many cases, a drunk driver is left with minor injuries, while their victims are not as lucky. By pursuing a lawsuit against a driver who was impaired by alcohol, victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. The knowledgeable Green Bay car accident attorneys at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can provide you with the representation you need, and we will work to hold a drunk driver responsible for the harm they have done to you. For a free initial consultation, please contact our office today at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/ways-to-prevent-drinking-and-driving
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/strategies.html