Georgia Drunk Driving Information
Thursday, June 7th, 2012As most Americans travel the United States roadways daily, they expect them to be safe. Drivers must pass multiple tests to prove they are capable of the mechanics of driving and be able to make smart decisions when behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, many drivers make irresponsible choices once they obtain their license, particularly drinking and driving. Despite numerous warnings and ad campaigns, thousands of people die each year due to car crashes involving a drunk driver. In 2009 alone, there were nearly 11,000 fatalities resulting from automobile accidents where a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit. Thirty-two percent of all motor vehicle crashes that year were the result of a drunk driver.
Drunk driving puts more than just the driver at risk. All other drivers, as well as passengers and pedestrians, are also at risk for injury or death when someone drinks alcohol and gets behind the wheel of an automobile.
In the state of Georgia alone, approximately 400 people lose their lives every year due to alcohol impaired drivers. For this reason, many are aware of this serious problem, though much must still be accomplished before drunk driving stops being a threat to the citizens of Georgia.
More Drunk Driving Statistics
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the average drunk driver has driven drunk approximately 80 times before being arrested. Further statistics provided by MADD include:
One person in the United States dies every 50 minutes from a drunk driving car crash.
One in three individuals will be involved in a drunk driving car crash in his or her lifetime.
On average, one person is injured every minute due to drunk driving in the United States.
Most of those who are arrested and convicted of drunk driving continue to drive with a suspended license. Some continue to drink and drive.
It is estimated that one in five teenagers binge drink. One in three 8th graders have consumed alcohol. Those who start drinking alcohol at a young age are more likely to be in an alcohol-related car accident.
Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Approximately one-third of fatal crashes result from drinking and driving.
Drunk Driving costs each adult in the United States 0 in an average year.
These statistics illustrate just how serious an epidemic drunk driving has been and continues to be in the United States. Because of the risks involved, many laws are in place to act as an incentive to refrain from drunk driving, as well as to remove those who ignore these laws from the roads.
Georgia Drunk Driving Laws
In the state of Georgia, and across most of the United States, a person who has a BAC of .08 percent or above is considered intoxicated and not capable of driving safely. This method measures how much of the person’s blood, by volume, is alcohol. For example, a person with a BAC of .10 would mean that .10 percent of the person’s blood, by volume, is alcohol.
Those arrested with a BAC above the legal limit will be charged with a DUI (driving under the influence). However, as any amount of alcohol can affect the body and brain, those with a BAC under the legal limit may still be considered a drunk driver. Alcohol impairs a person’s abilities to react quickly, maintain focus, and make good decisions while driving. All of these impairments place many people in danger. Those who are under the age of 21 may be charged with a DUI if they are found to have a BAC of at least .02. Commercial drivers face similar restrictions. A commercial driver may be charged with a DUI if he or she has a BAC of .04 percent or higher.
The State of Georgia has in place what is called an “Implied Consent Law.” This states that drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol must submit to tests to determine if he or she truly is under the influence. These tests typically consist of a breath test, but blood and urine tests may be used for additional information.
Even a first DUI offense may result in fines, community service, a suspension of the person’s license, or jail time. A second DUI offense significantly raises each of these penalties, as well as often including alcohol abuse treatment programs.
As drunk driving crashes often result in damages to vehicles and injury to those involved, being convicted of drunk driving is also a very expensive matter. Those involved in drunk driving accidents often face many medical bills, lost wages due to not being able to work, and a good deal of potential pain and suffering. Also, long term disabilities are not rare in drunk driving car crashes, causing those involved to drastically alter they life styles.
Contact an Attorney Right Away!
If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has been killed due to a drunk driving car accident, contact the Georgia drunk driving and car accident lawyers at The Accident Attorneys of Monge & Associates.
Call us today at (877) 568-7140 or fill out our convenient online contact form.
If you don’t win, you don’t pay us!
These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.
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