Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recently released some shocking statistics regarding drunk driving. Every two minutes, someone is injured in an accident due to drunk driving, potentially requiring the services of a DUI accident lawyer. Every 51 minutes someone dies from a drunk-driving crash. 66 percent of people will be impacted in some way, shape or form by an alcohol-related crash during their lifetime, and 1/3 of those arrested and convicted of drunk driving are repeat offenders. Campaigning to eliminate drunk driving requires both invention and prevention to be successful.

Inventions
1. Auto driving vehicles
Vehicles in the future will have the technology to calculate if the driver has a BAC above the legal limit. If over the limit, the car won’t operate because the driver is impaired.

  1. Driver alcohol detection systems for safety (DADSS)
    Both DADSS and MADD are actively working towards making our country free of drunk and impaired driving. The devices will be transparent until someone attempts to drive with a BAC above .08, the legal limit. The two systems being tested are one that measures BAC through fingertips, while the other samples the air of the driver.

Prevention
1. Law enforcement and sobriety checkpoints
Sobriety checkpoints might be a hassle if you’re sober, but they’ve been proven to reduce traffic fatalities by 20 percent. Police usually announce their location ahead of time and stop vehicles sequentially when they pass through.

  1. Ignition interlock devices
    All-offender ignition interlock laws are active in Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, and West Virginia. Deaths due to drunk driving have dropped from repeat offenders by almost 2/3.

Efforts to reduce DUI in Florida
• Law enforcement utilizes sobriety checkpoints to check if a driver is impaired and administers a breathalyzer if they suspect the driver is under the influence • Ignition interlocks prevent the car from starting if the driver has a BAC above the pre-established limit • Laws allowing revocation and suspension of licenses for those who refuse testing or test above legal limits

How can you avoid a DUI?
The best way not to need a DUI accident lawyer in Los Angeles is not to drive impaired. Here are a few tips to staying sober on the roads:

• Pay for a taxi or ride-sharing company
• Have a designated driver
• Get a room at a motel for the night, so you don’t have to drive
• Stay home and celebrate

Drinking and driving continues to be a significant issue. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of drunk driving, you may want to contact a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles to get advice on how to proceed.