An individual in the US is killed by a drunk driver every 51minutes. Regardless of strict state laws and national campaigns to raise awareness of impaired driving dangers, drunk driving is still the leading cause of fatal crashes across the country. According to the NHTSA, driving while intoxicated accounts for 31% of all the accidents in the United States.
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Drunk driving in New Jersey
Drunk drivers are a menace to New Jersey. According to data reported by the new jersey department of law and public safety, many fatal road crashes involve drunk and intoxicated drivers. On average, one individual dies every hour in alcohol-related accidents, while many experience life-changing injuries. That is why campaigns such as #STAYSOBERNJ focus on raising awareness against drink driving in New Jersey to eliminate drunk driving-related accidents.
The following are some of the statistics published by new jersey state police regarding drunk driving.
- Around 80% of drivers killed in road crashes tested positive for blood alcohol content (BAC) level of more than 0.08% or greater.
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is one of the leading factors in 118 out of 522 crashes in new jersey. That means DWI causes 22 percent of the accidents.
- 28% of the drivers killed and around 20% of the drivers who survived a fatal crash tested positive for alcohol consumption. Also, many of the drivers who die in alcohol-related accidents are not usually the ones who are alcohol-impaired.
- Many of the fatal accidents involving drunk drivers are caused by collisions with fixed objects such as trees.
- Pedestrian collisions are some of the fatal drunk driving accidents.
- Many alcohol-related crashes in new jersey occur on state and country roads. On the other hand, new jerseys interstates do not see much-drunk driving cases.
- Drunk driving fatalities in new jersey cost its taxpayers an estimated $992million every year.
- Drivers in their 20s are likely to cause drunk driving-related crashes.
Driving while intoxicated is reckless and dangerous, showing a lack of regard for other road users. Besides losing lives, drunk driving crashes cause property damage and life-changing injuries, including disabilities. Although no financial compensation can compare to the loss of a loved one in a drunk driving-related accident, contacting an accident attorney can help bring the culprit to book.
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Who is liable for a drunk driving accident?
The driver found to have a BAC level of 0.08%, or more is held liable for the accident that results in injury or death. Note that a DUI charge is not limited to drunk driving. It involves other toxic substances or drugs that impact the driver’s ability to focus on the driving task risking other motorists.
Third-party liability
Bars, restaurants, and party hosts must also serve responsibly. New Jersey has laws that place liability on established institutions in cases of drunk driving accidents. Establishments that sell alcohol and other drugs to underage individuals and other people can be held liable for car injuries caused by that person. New jersey also places liability on a social host if a guest causes a drunk driving accident that leads to injuries or deaths.
The takeaway
New Jersey imposes harsh penalties on drunk drivers, so you need to stay sober while driving.