Our Florida car accident attorneys focus a lot of our efforts on educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving. In fact, our “Hang Up and Drive!” Facebook campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the tragedy that can strike when someone is texting or talking on the phone while driving on our highways. However, we do not want to lose sight of the dangers Floridians face every day from impaired drivers.
The NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports in its 2010 State Motor Vehicle Fatalities statistics that nationwide there were 10,228 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2010. These accidents account for 31 percent of overall traffic fatalities. Florida saw 660 alcohol-related highway deaths in 2010, which was over 25% of the 2,445 statewide fatalities that year.
For 2011, early reports indicate traffic fatalities have fallen in Florida. Unfortunately, far too many drivers still take to the road with alcohol or drugs in their systems; drivers under-the-influence of drugs or alcohol are the second leading cause of Florida accident fatalities.
In an effort to put an end to impaired driving by all drivers on our nation’s roadways, the NTSB or National Transportation Safety Board revealed this month that it will host its first-ever forum on eliminating substance-impaired driving. On May 15 to 16, the forum entitled Reaching Zero: Actions to Eliminate Substance-Impaired Driving Forum, aims to generate ideas for new safety recommendations that address this problem.
The free public forum in Washington, D.C. hopes to break the NTSB out of its last decade of being stagnant when it comes to offering initiatives for stopping impaired drivers. According to the announcement, traffic deaths resulting from all causes have declined over the last ten years, but, sadly, the percentage of individuals killed by a substance-impaired driver has not changed. The NTSB has not made any new recommendations on substance-impaired driving during that time.
The panelists, led by NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman, will be taking a careful look at the Board’s past work and assess the need for new or updated safety recommendations. Panels will thoroughly examine the interventions, knowledge, and public policy considerations that are needed to aggressively address this national safety problem.
The event will be held at the NTSB Conference Center in Washington, D.C., on May 15-16. See the announcement for more information.
“Motorists can do their part, too, when they buckle up and drive sober,” said Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, Col. David Brierton when announcing the 2011 preliminary accident statistics.
Our Florida car accident attorneys agree with Brierton, and reiterate that there is no place for drunk or impaired drivers on Florida highways. We encourage anyone that has been out drinking to please not drink and drive. Instead, use a designated driver. If you have been a victim of a South Florida car accident caused by a drunk driver, talk to a Treasure Coast car accident lawyer to understand your legal rights.
Turn To A Florida Accident Injury Lawyer
If a drunk driver in Florida has injured you, contact an aggressive car accident attorney who has helped many injury victims recover from serious automobile accidents. I am attorney Philip DeBerard. I have more than three decades of legal experience representing people injured in car accidents and other personal injury claims.
At the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, we pride ourselves on providing one-on-one attention to people across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Our law firm represents victims of drunk driver accidents across South Florida, including Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Stuart, Okeechobee, Vero Beach, Palm Beach, and throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast.
Call 1-800-299-8878 now to speak with a knowledgeable Florida car accident attorney or fill out our online contact form.
