A stronger ignition interlock law in Pennsylvania would result in fewer accidents. That’s why we hope this proposal is taken seriously and approved.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) March 15, 2015
A report in PennLive states Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislation that would require ignition interlocks for certain first-time drunk driving offenders, a move that Philadelphia car accident attorney Randall C. Flager says is a step in the right direction.
Attorney Flager of Flager & Associates commented on a Feb. 10 report in PennLive titled “Lawmakers call for ignition interlock law to reduce alcohol-related crashes.”
“A stronger ignition interlock law in Pennsylvania would result in fewer accidents,” Flager said. “That’s why we hope this proposal is taken seriously and approved. As a personal injury attorney with more than 30 years’ experience, I have represented victims of drunk driving accidents and families who have lost loved ones. These are some of the most difficult cases we handle. We see firsthand the devastating impact of a drunk driver’s reckless decision. Lives are shattered. That’s why we fight vigorously to protect the rights of victims and families whose loved ones died.”
Flager said stronger laws, including a beefed up ignition interlock requirement, will almost certainly result in fewer fatalities and injuries.
According to PennLive, a bi-partisan band of House and Senate members are calling for passage of a law that would require first-time offenders with blood-alcohol content of 0.10 or higher to use the device, which prevents someone from starting a car if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. Pennsylvania already requires the breathalyzer-like device for repeat DUI offenders.
According to PennLive, Sen. John Rafferty, R-Montgomery County, said 70 percent of drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license. These impaired drivers would be unable to start their vehicles if they are required to have an ignition interlock, he said.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, alcohol-related accidents decreased in 2013 to 11,041 from 11,956 in 2012. Alcohol-related deaths represented 32 percent of all traffic deaths in 2013, which is roughly the same in 2010, 2011, and 2012, according to PennDOT.
“While it’s certainly good news to see that alcohol-related crashes are declining, I’m convinced that a stronger ignition interlock law can result in even fewer crashes, fewer deaths and fewer injuries,” Flager said. “Drivers must take responsibility for their actions. Even one alcohol-related traffic death is one too many.”
Regardless of whether the ignition interlock proposal is passed, Flager said anyone who has been drinking should designate a sober driver if they need to be on the road. He said people should take away the keys of friends who have been drinking and are insisting on driving.
“Too much is at stake when it comes to drinking and driving,” Flager said. “We take these cases very seriously. Anyone who is injured or who loses a loved one should seek the advice of an experienced attorney. Our lawyers fight hard to protect the rights of victims and families and hold negligent drivers accountable.”
About Flager & Associates
With offices in Trevose, New Hope, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, Flager & Associates serves the legal needs of personal injury victims throughout the five-county area. Working tirelessly to protect the rights of injury victims involved in car and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog attacks, and many other types of personal injury cases, Flager & Associates has a well-earned reputation as a Philadelphia law firm that fights diligently to earn clients the compensation they deserve. An AV-rated Philadelphia personal injury attorney, Randall Flager is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reserved for a small percentage of trial attorneys who have obtained settlements or verdicts totaling over $1 million for their clients.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, discuss your legal options with a Philadelphia personal injury attorney. Call Flager & Associates at 215-953-5200 for a free case evaluation.
Flager & Associates main office is located at:
1210 Northbrook Dr
Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053
http://www.flagerlaw.com/