December is National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Since 1981, each U.S. President of the United States has continued the commitment to stopping impaired driving by proclaiming December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.

At Hanning & Sacchetto, our auto accident attorneys in Whittier share the commitment of bringing awareness to traffic collisions caused by driving under the influence, to help stop these preventable crashes with a few tips for drivers across California, as we close out 2020 safely.

Impaired Driving Statistics: Helping Inform Our California Communities of Its Dangers

Driving impaired by any substance — alcohol or drugs, whether legal or illegal — is against the law in all 50 states, including California.

Yet, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes each day — that’s one person every 50 minutes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, last year:

• More than one million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics;
• Drugs other than alcohol (legal and illegal) were involved in about 16% of motor vehicle crashes;
• Over 37% of college-aged survey respondents think they are fit to drive after 3–4 drinks;
• Of the 1,233 traffic deaths among children ages 0 to 14 years last year, 214 – or 17% – involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Last year alone, over 10,500 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes; over 1,100 of those fatalities occurred on our California roadways, which was more than any other state in the nation.

Tips for Avoiding Potentially Dangerous Driving Circumstances

In the State of California, it is illegal to operate your vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08% or higher.

If, at any point, you believe you will have a drink, especially during the most dangerous time of year for drunk driving, between the December holidays and the New Year, commit to act responsibly and drive safely.

Here are a few tips to get home safely:

• Plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arrange for a taxi cab or rideshare transportation home if you plan to drink;
• Talk to your loved ones about the dangers of drunk driving, and remind them how important it is to be responsible and stay safe;
• If you are hosting friends or family members, always offer non-alcoholic drink options for both designated drivers and those who do not drink, and ensure everyone leaves with a sober driver or alternate, safe transportation;
• Do not allow friends or family members to get behind the wheel if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Always wear your seat belt. It is your best defense against impaired drivers.

If you have been injured in a collision with an impaired driver, or have lost a loved one to these tragic circumstances, contact our Los Angeles County and Whittier personal injury attorneys at Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP today at (562) 698-6446 to learn how we can pursue the driver and their insurance company for your complete financial recovery.