Despite continued education across the United States on the dangers of drunk driving, this reckless act remains a problem throughout the country. Countless deaths can be attributed to drivers who got behind the wheel after having a few too many drinks.
In South Carolina, the problem is not on the decline. In 2016, the number of drunk driving fatalities was on the rise in the state of South Carolina. 331 people were killed as a result of drunk driving accidents. In 2015, only 307 people were killed in drunk driving accidents. One-third of the people who were killed in traffic accidents in the state were killed in drunk driving accidents. While this upward trend in drunk driving deaths could be alarming to the people of the state of South Carolina, the nationwide drunk driving fatalities also rose in 2016.
Overall, drunk driving has been an issue in South Carolina for much of the recent past and present. Between 2003 and 2012, 3,870 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in South Carolina. The rate at which people are killed in drunk driving accidents across all age groups is significantly higher than the national average. However, fewer South Carolina residents report driving after having too much drink than Americans do on average.
Why Is Drunk Driving So Dangerous?
With the high amount of deaths and injuries caused by drunk driving every year, it is clear that driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances is extremely dangerous to everyone on the roads of South Carolina. You may wonder exactly what makes driving under the influence so dangerous.
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances by those who are driving under the influence. For a driver, alcohol will impair the most necessary functions of the human body. Those who drink and drive will take a hit to their judgment, their reaction time to the world around them, their motor skills, and their memory. With this combination of impaired functions, a person is unable to navigate the roads safely. They will no longer be able to successfully react to a sudden change in traffic or anything unexpected that crosses their path. The lives of everyone else on the road are endangered when someone chooses to drive after drinking.
Other drugs can be equally dangerous to users who choose to drive. Marijuana, opioids, and other drugs can also negatively impact the skills that humans require to operate a vehicle safely.
Have You Been Involved In a Drunk Driving Accident?
Being involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver can be a serious problem. The likelihood of injury is high for everyone involved in the accident. This can lead to medical bills and lost wages that will hurt your financial situation. The Nye Law Group can help you through this difficult time in your life. You may be eligible to bring a claim against the negligent party in your accident. Call us today for a free case evaluation.