Americans encouraged to promote impaired driving awareness

While most people in Illinois and the rest of the U.S. know that impaired driving can be a factor in car accidents, they may not know how serious the problem is. Approximately 28 percent of traffic fatalities in 2016 were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers, and the death toll comes to more than 10,000 people. Furthermore, a 2012 survey revealed that 4.2 million adults in America had driven under the influence at least once within 30 days.

On average, there is one fatality every 50 minutes due to impaired driving in America. In an effort to raise awareness of impaired driving and to prevent it from occurring when possible, the White House released a proclamation designating December 2017 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

As stated in the proclamation, the administration is committed to reducing alcohol-related fatalities: for example, it promotes the providers of ride-hailing services and plans to remove regulations for the manufacturers of advanced vehicle technology, especially self-driving vehicles. The administration stated that law enforcement can keep the roads safe with the right resources. However, it is ultimately up to individuals to work together with families and the rest of their community to prevent impaired driving.

In the event that impaired driving does cause a car accident, the victim may want to consult with an attorney. The attorney might evaluate the case to see if the victim can file a personal injury claim. The attorney may also gather important paperwork like medical documents and police reports to help negotiate for a settlement. If the auto insurance company refuses to pay out or proposes a low settlement, the lawyer may be able to take the case to court. A settlement might cover not only accident-related expenses but also punitive damages.