Drivers need to take into consideration the other people on the road. They should not get behind the wheel when they’re sick or distracted, let alone when they’re impaired. Drivers who are too impaired to drive put other people’s lives at risk.
If you’re involved in a crash with a drunk or impaired driver, you should know that you do have an opportunity to make a personal injury claim. It’s your right to ask that the other person covers your financial losses, because their actions had an impact on you.
Drunk driving is a serious problem in Louisiana
Did you know how common drunk driving is in Louisiana? Of those surveyed, 2.5% of adults reported driving after drinking too much. This is much higher than the national average, 1.9%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Drivers who drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater are more likely to get into traffic collisions. Throughout the country, around one out of every three traffic deaths can be linked to drunk driving.
Louisiana takes steps to prevent drunk driving
The state does take steps to prevent drunk driving such as allowing sobriety checkpoints where the police can stop drivers and check them for high BAC levels. The state also participates in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns used around the country. These steps are important, because recognizing the risk of drunk drivers on the road and taking action to get them off the roadways helps save lives.
What should you do if you’re hit by a drunk or impaired driver?
First, remember that alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to impairment. A person may be impaired on prescription drugs, illicit drugs or other substances, too.
If you are hit and believe the other driver is impaired, mention it on your 911 call or to the police when they arrive. They will take steps to verify that claim. If the other driver is impaired, then that fact may help you make the most of a personal injury claim when you file one for compensation.