The costs of drunk-driving are staggering – in the U.S., approximately one-third of all vehicle crash fatalities involve drunk-drivers. In 2013, that accounted for 10,076 deaths and an even greater number of injuries. In addition to the human costs, drunk-driving crashes cost an estimated $49.8 billion annually in our country. Yet these statistics cannot measure the unseen price in pain and grief that is paid by the loved ones of those involved in DUI related crashes.[1]
A 20-Day Campaign, A Lifelong Commitment
In an effort to combat the deadly DUI epidemic, state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide are cracking down on drunk-driving with the 2015 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Running from August 21st through September 7th and spearheaded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2015 campaign will be characterized by a heightened state-wide and national message of the broad risks of drunk-driving and will include an increased police presence on our streets with the objective of enforcing DUI laws.[2]
What Can Virginian’s Do?
Apart from a personal commitment to never drink and drive, consider “taking the pledge,”[3] and adding your name to the list of people across the nation who have made a public commitment to keep our roads safe (link available below). More information, further drunk-driving facts, and resources to spread the word such as posters and social media “Profile Pics” can be found on the NHTSA’s website.[4]
As always, if you or a loved one are injured because of a drunk-driver, consider talking with an attorney at the personal injury law firm of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen.[5] They can help you make the best of a bad situation and guide you through the legal process of pursing a claim against those responsible for any injury.
About The Author: Trent Kerns is a Partner and President of the Allen Law Firm. For more than 30 years Trent has been advocating for clients who have been injured due to no fault of their own. He currently works out of the Richmond, VA Office. In his free time Trent enjoys traveling and spending time at the river.
[1] National Highway Administration, available at http://www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober/i-didnt-know-that/.
[2] See more at http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/LaborDayWeekend.
[3] Take the Pledge to not drink and drive at http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/#take_the_pledge.
[4] More ways to get involved available at http://www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober/get-involved/.
