Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog
According to the Boston Globe, a Connecticut police officer was arrested and charged in the state of Massachusetts with drunk driving with a child in the vehicle. State police report that the 45-year-old officer was stopped for a traffic stop on Massachusetts Turnpike. Not only is he facing drunk driving, but he’s also looking at charged of possession of an open container of alcohol, negligent operation, speeding and child endangerment.
Our Boston injury lawyers understand that there were more than 110 people killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents in the state in 2011. These fatalities accounted for close to 35 percent of all traffic accident fatalities recorded throughout the year. In 2012, there were 12,941 people arrested for drunk driving in our state. Although most drivers understand the dangers of drinking and driving, the fear doesn’t seem to be stopping many.
Drunk driving is a serious issue in America. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), there were 9,878 DUI-related deaths in 2011. This equates to a DUI-related death every 53 minutes. Add to that the fact that someone is injured every 90 seconds as a result of a DUI-related incident.
With the New Year, we’re asking drivers to make a resolution to stay sober behind the wheel. Each and every one of our drunk driving-related fatalities could have been prevented if drivers had a better game plan when going out drinking. Getting home safely is easier than you might think.
Drunk Driving Safety Tips from the Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD):
-Never get behind the wheel if you’ve had any alcohol. Your ability to drive can be compromised even if your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit. Remember that even buzzed driving is drunk driving.
-Choose a designated driver. Decide who’s going to be doing the driving before you go out, and make sure that person doesn’t drink any alcoholic beverages.
-Never let friends or family members drive after drinking. If you see someone who is about to get behind the wheel after drinking, be sure to intervene. Your concern can help to save a life.
-Always keep the number to a taxi service tucked away in your wallet or purse just in case.
-Help to identify and report possible drunk drivers by calling law enforcement authorities by dialing 911 on you cell phone.
-If you have been drinking and you don’t have a safe and sober way to get home, stay where you are and sleep it off.
-Remember that your best defense against a drunk driver is wearing your seat belt.
Even though officials are working to help to prevent these kinds of accidents, no one is safe. There were 4 state troopers who were hit by drunk drivers in less than a month in 2010, prompting authorities to increase the efforts aimed at getting drunks off the road.
Stay safe out there and stay sober to stay alive.
If you or a loved one was involved in a drunk driving accident in Massachusetts, call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment — (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
NHTSA Urges Ignition Interlock Devices for all Drunk Driving Offenders, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, December 28, 2013
DUI Accident Blamed for Death of Pedestrian in Dorchester, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, December 10, 2013