The Staggering Toll of Alcohol-Impaired Driving in the Show-Me State
Alcohol-impaired driving is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Tragically someone in the United States dies every hour as a result of driving under the influence. Each of these deaths is preventable caused by criminal wrongdoing.
As with every state, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is unlawful in Missouri. Still, too often, drivers get behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. At Bishop & Hayes, P.C., we recognize the devastating human cost of drunk driving. We firmly believe in holding alcohol-impaired drivers accountable for the harm they inflict.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, contact our office at (417) 304-3228 to book a free, no-obligation consultation.
Missouri Drunk Driving Statistics
According to the latest data available from Responsibility.org, there were 240 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in a single year. Deaths related to driving while intoxicated (DWI) account for 26% of all traffic-related fatalities.
DWI crash facts in the state:
- Nearly 20% of all under 21 traffic fatalities involve alcohol-impaired driving.
- 70.2% of fatal drunk driving crashes involve high BAC drivers or those with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher.
- In 2018, over 11,000 people were arrested for driving under the influence.
- 108 teens under the age of 18 were arrested for driving under the influence during the same time period.
- 78.6% of repeat offenders in fatal drunk driving accidents had a BAC of .15 or higher.
The statistics are shocking, unfathomable, and sadly nothing new. Tens of thousands of people lose their lives every year to driving under the influence.
Despite perpetrators facing consequences through the criminal justice system, many end up repeating the offense at some point. DWI continues to have a high recidivism rate.
What to Do If Someone Is Driving Under the Influence
Keeping people safe on the roads means remaining vigilant. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, pull over and report it to law enforcement. You may end up saving their lives and others. Always stay alert while driving, particularly at night, during the weekend, or when it is a known “drinking” holiday.
If there is a drunk driver on the road:
- Give plenty of distance between yourself and the suspected DWI driver. An alcohol-impaired driver may begin driving erratically, swerving in and out of lanes, speeding, or driving well below the speed limit.
- Don’t try to speed around the driver. Trying to pass the driver may put yourself and your passengers at risk.
- Pull over to safety and call 911. Reporting the driver can help get them off the road and avoid a deadly accident.
In the event that you are involved in an accident with a suspected drunk driver, call law enforcement immediately. Once you are able, contact a lawyer to determine whether you are eligible for compensation based on your damages.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
At Bishop & Hayes, we believe in holding drunk drivers accountable. While criminal charges can help punish a person for their wrongdoing, they often do little to fully compensate an injured party.
A civil lawsuit can help ensure that you receive the money you need to fully recover after an accident involving an impaired driver. Damages may include compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Contact Our Office.
Were you or a loved one injured by an alcohol-impaired driver? Contact our office at (417) 304-3228 for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win. Call today to get started.