While the law might state you can drive after having some alcohol, if you cause an accident because of an impairment you must be held accountable.
Irvine, CA (PRWEB) March 05, 2014
Commenting on a study concluding that low, legal levels of alcohol can increase the risk of a driver being involved in a deadly car accident, personal injury attorney Daniel C. Carlton of the Law Offices of Daniel C. Carlton of Irvine, CA said the findings illustrate that drivers should think twice before getting behind the wheel even after having only one or two drinks.
Carlton expressed his comments in response to an article published by U.S. News and World report about “buzzed” driving. (U.S. News & World Report, “'Buzzed' Drivers Who Are Under Legal Limit to Blame in Many Fatal Crashes,” Jan. 22, 2014)
“As a personal injury lawyer, I have worked with victims of families who have lost loved ones because of the negligence of drunk drivers,” Carlton said. “I know how these awful accidents can turn lives upside-down. While the law might state you can drive after having some alcohol, if you cause an accident because of an impairment you must be held accountable. Public safety must remain a top priority, and people need to realize there are risks associated with even moderate consumption of alcohol and driver safety.”
The study focusing on so-called “buzzed driving” was led by sociologist David Philips of the University of California, San Diego, according to U.S. News & World Report. Researchers examined more than 570,700 fatal auto accidents nationwide between 1994 and 2011. The researchers then focused their attention on accidents involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01 to 0.07, which is less than the legal limit of 0.08 in California and many other states, U.S. News & World Report reported.
Even drivers who had a BAC of 0.01 were 46 percent more likely to be officially blamed for causing an accident than sober drivers, according to the study as reported by U.S. News & World Report. And for drivers with a BAC of 0.01 to 0.24, the higher a driver’s BAC, the more likely the driver caused the car accident, U.S. News & World Report reported.
"We find no safe combination of drinking and driving - no point at which it is harmless to consume alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car," Phillips said in a university news release quoted by U.S. News & World Report.
Carlton said, "The study could eventually lead to stricter anti-drunk driving laws. In the meantime, drivers should always make responsible choices. It’s important to remember that driving is an awesome responsibility,” Carlton said. “It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid drinking and driving. Avoid texting while driving. Make sure you’re alert and able to react quickly.”
Carlton said anyone injured or who loses a loved one because of the actions of a drunk driver should seek the advice of legal counsel. A lawyer can help pursue compensation and hold the negligent driver accountable for his or her actions, he said.
For more information about what to do after a serious or fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver in California and the legal options available to families, call (949) 757-0707 or complete the online contact form.
About Dan Carlton
Located in Irvine, California, personal injury attorney Daniel C. Carlton has a well-earned a reputation throughout Orange County for being a top-notch lawyer who delivers results. His areas of focus include auto and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorists’ accidents, premises accidents, serious injuries, wrongful death, real estate law and business litigation. Attorney Carlton has more than 35 years of experience as a lawyer and has earned the highest rating given to lawyers by the renowned Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating system.
Daniel C. Carlton
Attorney At Law
19700 Fairchild, Suite 280
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 757-0707
http://www.dancarlton.com/