One would think that having companies like Uber and Lyft would have put an end to drunk driving. Sadly, that isn’t the case. There’s simply no excuse for somebody to get behind the wheel of their car after they’ve been drinking. They can either call for a ride or be a designated driver. Or they can press an app on their cell phone and an Uber will show up within a few minutes.

When people do choose to drink and drive, other people get hurt. If you or your family member have been injured in a drunk driving accident, call our office right away. Our Columbia accident lawyers know what you’re going through. They also know what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

Almost Half of All Drivers Admit to Driving Drunk

Despite the fact that there is no good reason to do it, more than 55% of all men have admitted to driving drunk on at least one occasion. Women aren’t all that different. Overall, 43% of Americans have gotten behind the wheel after having one too many drinks. One would think they’d understand just how dangerous this is.

They figure, since they made it home in one piece every other time they drove home drunk, nothing bad will happen. And it’s not only drivers who have no problem taking their lives into their hands. But 43% of all adults have admitted to catching a ride with someone they knew was clearly too drunk to drive.

Most People Have No Problem Getting in the Car with a Drunk Driver

As mentioned above, it seems as if most people have no problem getting in the car with a drunk driver. They must figure their friend is safe to drive or they wouldn’t be getting in the car. Sadly, they are usually the ones who get hurt.

The person who’s drunk driving survives these crashes a lot more often than the innocent victims. When someone is drunk and crashes into your car going 80 mph, you don’t see it coming. Since they’re intoxicated, they somehow manage to survive. Usually, the people in the other vehicle aren’t so lucky.

10,000 People Are Killed in Drunk Driving Accidents Every Year

Every year in the United States, more than 10,000 people are killed in a drunk driving accident. In fact, they make up for more than 30% of all traffic fatalities. And it’s not just adults who suffer in these crashes. In 2018, more than 200 kids were killed in DUI crashes. The sad thing is that almost all of these accidents and deaths could’ve been preventable.

Because these crashes tend to be more serious than your run-of-the-mill car accident, the law comes down hard on people who drink and drive. If you’re injured in a DUI crash, you can bet your Columbia accident lawyer will demand punitive damages. These are damages meant to punish the defendant for their reckless behavior.

How to Spot Someone Who’s Been Drinking and Driving

Unfortunately, the only way to protect yourself against drunk drivers is to keep your eyes and ears open. If you can spot someone who appears to be driving drunk, you can stay as far away from them as possible. It would be a good idea to pull over until they’ve gone by you. While this is inconvenient, it’s worth it if it can save your life. Some of the signs that someone on the road with you is drinking and driving include:

• They’re weaving in and out of their lane
• They’re driving way too slow
• They have their windows all the way down and the music blaring
• They don’t have their lights on
• They keep braking for no good reason
• You saw them pull out of the parking lot of a bar or nightclub

If you do see someone who is clearly drunk out on the road, steer clear. As much as you want to be a good citizen and call the police, your safety comes first. If there’s someone in the car with you, feel free to write down the license plate number. But you shouldn’t use your cell phone while behind the wheel.

Call and Set Up a Free Consultation with an Experienced Columbia Accident Lawyer

If you’re hurt in a drunk driving accident, call our office right away. Talk to an experienced Columbia accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve. The initial consultation is free, and you don’t pay anything until your case is resolved.