According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there is a drunk driving accident fatality every 23 minutes – with most of them occurring between midnight and 3 a.m. In order to address this issue, and keep the roads safe, the agency launched the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which is designed to educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving during nighttime hours and remind drivers that law enforcement will vigilantly patrol at night to keep drunk drivers off the road.
“While we have made great strides in reducing drunk driving over the years, tragically, drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of death and injury on America’s roads,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. “Through our new national advertising campaign and stepped up law enforcement actions, we’re sending a powerful message to the American driving public – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
Law enforcement aren’t the only people combating drunk driving. Drunk driving accident lawyers, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other advocacy groups fight daily to prevent the serious injuries and fatalities that can occur when someone decides to drive drunk.
Nighttime Drunk Driving Statistics
The Department of Transportation’s reported statistics illustrate why nighttime drunk driving enforcement is necessary. According to the agency:
- Two-thirds of fatal car accidents between midnight and 3 a.m. involve drunk drivers
- In 2009, one-fourth of all fatal drunk driving accidents occurred between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m.
- There are also high percentages of drunk driving accidents from 9 p.m. to midnight and 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Drunk Driving Accident Remedies
The criminal justice system isn’t the only legal recourse drunk driving victims have against drunk drivers. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to collect damages in civil court through a personal injury lawsuit.
If you are successful in court, you may be eligible for compensatory damages that cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. You may also be able to recover punitive damages – which are designed to punish reckless drivers. Contact a qualified drunk driving accident lawyer who can advise you of your rights and start fighting for you in court.