Impaired driving crashes can have devastating consequences.
Car accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs remain a serious problem nationwide, according to a recent study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
“Impaired driving leads to tragedy every day on our nation’s roads, but it doesn’t have to,” Jennifer Homendy, the NTSB chair, said in a statement published by Forbes about the study. “To create a truly safe system — one where impaired driving is a relic of the past — states and federal agencies must implement our recommendations, and fast. Further complacency is inexcusable.”
The legal team at The Longo Firm agrees. With years of experience handling car accident cases, we have witnessed the devastating impact of collisions caused by impaired drivers, including those under the influence of drugs and alcohol. As strong advocates for crash victims and their families, our law firm is committed to fighting for justice and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.
How bad is the impaired driving problem?
Despite repeated warnings against it, drunk driving remains a serious problem nationwide. For instance, in 2020, drivers under the influence of alcohol caused 11,654 drunk driving fatalities, according to the recent NTSB study. That figure is roughly 1 out of 3 car accident fatalities overall.
As for other types of impaired driving, drivers under the influence of cannabis are the second most common type of impaired driving nationwide, according to the NTSB study. And when drivers are under the influence of cannabis, they’re more likely to be under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, according to the Forbes article about the NTSB study.
Impaired drivers often cause collisions in Colorado.
Like the rest of the country, impaired driving is a serious problem in Colorado and a common contributing factor in many car crashes. For example, in 2020, 29.9 percent of all car accident fatalities in Colorado were caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol, according to the latest National Highway Transportation Safety Board (NHTSA) statistics.
Specifically, drunk drivers caused 186 traffic fatalities in 2020 in Colorado, the second-highest single-year total in the past decade. As for drivers under the influence of cannabis, they caused 131 traffic fatalities in 2020 in Colorado, according to a recent scientific study about the impact of the legalization of marijuana in the state.
What can be done to prevent impaired driving accidents?
The recent NTSB study suggested 12 solutions for preventing impaired driving accidents in the future, including:
- Add a warning label to cannabis products about the dangers of impaired driving.
- Standardize toxicology tests for detecting drug use among drivers.
- Make sure existing countermeasures proven to combat drunk driving are consistently implemented.
- Allow law enforcement officials to use electronic arrest warrants to obtain drug testing samples in a timely manner.
- Modify laws so law enforcement officials can conduct oral fluid collection tests to determine if a driver is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
While implementing the solutions proposed by the NTSB study can certainly help reduce the number of impaired driving crashes, it is important to remember that it only takes one negligent driver to cause a tragic accident. That is why it is critical for individuals to always make responsible choices and never get behind the wheel if they are impaired by drugs or alcohol. Additionally, if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an impaired driver, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your rights and interests.
Hit by an impaired driver in Colorado? Contact The Longo Firm.
Many people underestimate the value of hiring an attorney after being injured in a car crash caused by an impaired driver. While the police investigation may focus on whether state or federal laws were violated, it doesn't address the critical issue of fair financial compensation for accident-related expenses, which can quickly accumulate into thousands or more.
At The Longo Firm, our dedicated legal team understands the complexities of these cases and how to secure maximum financial compensation for our clients. From investigating the accident to gathering crucial evidence and negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your case to ensure that your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, do not hesitate to contact us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.