The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that wrong-way driving collisions account for only about 3% of accidents on high-speed divided freeways, but are much more likely to result in fatal and serious injuries than other highway related accidents. (NTSB.gov)
Two separate wrong-way crashes occurred early Sunday morning when motorists drove the wrong way. One occurred on a street in Fullerton, where as the other occurred on the 1-5 in San Juan Capistrano. The collisions were only an hour apart, the OC Register reports.
Unfortunately, two people died in both accidents and were the result of both drivers being under the influence of alcohol. The NTSB reports that 9% of wrong-way drivers are convicted of driving while intoxicated or impaired. There are a number of ways to prevent drunk driving accidents from occurring.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has put together some strategies that work and prevent drunk driving.
- Sobriety Check Points: This allows police to briefly stop vehicles at specific, visible locations to see if a driver is impaired.
- Ignition Interlocks: Ignition interlocks installed in cars measure alcohol on the driver’s breath. Interlocks keep the car from starting if the driver has a BAC above a certain level, usually 0.02%.
- Administrative license revocation or suspension laws: Administrative license revocation or suspension laws allow police to take away the license of a driver who tests at or above the legal BAC limit or who refuses testing.
- School-based instructional programs: School-based instructional programs are effective at teaching teens not to ride with drunk drivers.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker believes the best way to prevent someone from driving drunk is by planning ahead and choosing a designated driver.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident as a result of drunk-driving, contact our offices today. Our team of experienced auto accident attorneys are here to help. Email us today using our case submission form or call us at (800) 333-0000 for a free consultation.
If you submit your auto accident case online, you will receive a 10% attorney fee discount. Our clients have no out-of-pocket expenses, and if we don’t get you any money we won’t charge you a dime. We are here to help during these difficult times. We’ll fight for you!®
