Most people here in Texas are well aware of the potential dangers of drinking and driving. However, some people may believe that they have to consume a great deal of alcohol in order to be intoxicated. They may say that having only one or two drinks simply makes them “buzzed” and safe to drive. A new study shows that buzzed driving may account for a higher percentage of fatal motor vehicle accidents than people would guess, and that these drivers often have a blood alcohol content below the legal limit.
The study looked at data for fatal car accidents from a period of 16 years. Reportedly, more than a third of those crashes involved a driver with alcohol in the bloodstream. Fifteen percent tested below the legal limit. More than half of the fatalities were victims other than the driver who had been drinking. Furthermore, crashes involving buzzed driving were found to be more likely to kill young people.
The good news is that the study also showed that states with tougher alcohol laws showed a decrease in buzzed driving crashes. Many experts argue that lowering the legal limit across the country for blood alcohol content would save lives. They are hopeful that the findings will make lawmakers reconsider legal limits and encourage people to avoid consuming any amount of alcohol before driving.
Those here in Texas who have been hurt or lost a loved one to motor vehicle accidents caused by a driver who consumed alcohol may have more than just the criminal justice system to turn to. A personal injury attorney could file a civil claim on behalf of a victim or his or her loved ones to hold those responsible accountable financially. Doing so could result in a judgment for monetary damages that may help a family cover unexpected expenses as a result of the crash.