Drunk drivers can dramatically change many lives if they crash

It is no secret that the party is always going on in south Louisiana. Whether there is an LSU or Saints game, a festival or any other event going on, everyone attending hopes that they can enjoy their day and make it home safe afterward. One of the most serious hazards involving alcohol is the risk that someone will drink and then try to drive.

Drunk driving crashes change lives forever. Some people survive these crashes, but might suffer from injuries and memories that haunt them for the remainder of their days. Others die in these wrecks.

Louisiana drivers admit to drunk driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a fact sheet with some interesting state-specific points. Across the nation, 1.9 percent of adults reported that they drove after having too much to drink within the past 30 days. Louisiana drivers report doing this at a higher rate. Around 2.5 percent of adult drivers admit to this in our state.

In every category related to drunk driving deaths noted on the fact sheet, Louisiana ranked higher than the national average. These included deaths by gender and in three age groups. This is troubling because drunk driving wrecks are preventable. The individuals who have been drinking simply need to avoid driving and that would quell the issue, but this isn’t likely going to happen.

Nationally, around one in every three deaths in traffic incidents are related to drunk drivers. This is defined as a driver who has a blood alcohol concentration of at least .08 percent. These drivers can face criminal charges as a result of the crash. However, they might also face civil lawsuits as victims who suffered injuries or family members of those who were killed seek compensation.

Troubling factors in these crashes

Often, drunk driving wrecks involve considerable speed and factors that make them much worse than just a fender bender. Bad decisions, possibly including speeding and driving the wrong way on major roads like I-10 or I-12, can lead to devastating crashes.

These traumatic crashes at the hands of a drunk driver can cause a host of injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage and brain injuries. Victims often require considerable medical care and might not be able to return to work right away. The financial devastation comes suddenly and they can’t prepare for it. These individuals shouldn’t be left to cover all these costs when the drunk driver was to blame.