Drunk driving is the third most commonly reported crime in the United States. It accounts for more than 1 million arrests every year. Drunk and drugged driving caused more deaths and disabilities for people under 21 than anything else. In short, these are serious crimes that have an awful impact on the world around them. This article will briefly discuss these numbers.
Unfortunately, almost 40 percent of all traffic deaths are connected with alcohol abuse. In fact, 36 people die and around 700 are injured every day in traffic collisions that involve a drunken driver. Don’t think that this is all on alcohol; drugs account for approximately 18 percent of car crash deaths, though they are often used in combination with alcohol.
Drug use encompasses more than just marijuana, cocaine and heroin, the classic “drugs” you may associate with criminal activity. In fact, prescription opioids like pain relievers, muscle relaxants and antidepressants all play a role in these crimes.
According to a 2007 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about one in eight nighttime drivers on the weekend tested positive for illicit drugs in their system. These drugs reduce reaction times and contribute to accidents.
If you were charged with a drunk or drugged driving charge, then you may want to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. As you can see from these numbers, everyone takes these charges very seriously. That means you may face significant penalties on top of a suspended license. The best way to deal with these charges is to begin preparing a defense as soon as possible. An attorney can help you review the facts and come up with a strategy for your defense.
