According to news sources, although distracted driving stemming from texting or using hand held cell phone devices while behind the wheel seem to be the dominant issue of the day, a new study released by the U.S Department of Transportation finds that drinking and driving still leads to more than double the number of fatalities each year.
In all, distracted driving accounted for about nine percent of highway related fatalities. In stark contrast deaths stemming from driving under the influence of alcohol on the nations roadways registers at a striking 31 percent, the study said.
However the figures are not all disheartening. The study also found that the rate of fatalities linked to drinking and driving actually decreased year-on-year in 2010 in comparison to 2009 by about 4.9 percent. The 2010 decrease in fatalities associated with drinking and driving is even more significant when compared to the year 2000, with figures showing a 41 percent decrease within the period.
As a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, I urge you not to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking, as often the consequences to you, your loved ones, and to those around you can be much more serious than a DUI. If you have been injured in a car accident at the fault of someone else, contact a car crash attorney near you to help you as soon as possible.