Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over: Reducing Washington State Drunk Driving Auto Accident Risks
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents in Washington State. According to state and federal traffic officials, the weeks before and after Labor Day are one of the most common times for it to happen.
To prevent potentially life-threatening injuries, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign raises public awareness while increasing efforts to apprehend offenders. Our Issaquah auto accident attorney explains more about the problem and how to protect yourself against Washington State drunk driving crashes.
Raising Public Awareness of Drunk Driving Risks In Washington State
Most people know that drunk driving is dangerous, yet alcohol-related car accidents continue to happen throughout our area. The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission reports that nearly 400 fatal drunk driving accidents occur annually, and the number continues to increase each year.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), encourages state and national officials to work together to reduce the risks. It runs from mid-August through September, a time when drunk driving accidents in Washington State typically climb. In addition to increasing law enforcement efforts, officials want the public to know how even one or two drinks affect driving ability. Common impacts include:
- Poor judgment, making you more likely to downplay impairments;
- Reduced coordination, impacting your ability to steer, brake, or perform other driving tasks;
- Impaired vision, making it more difficult to see the road and other drivers;
- Slower reflexes, leaving you unable to respond appropriately to heavy traffic, sudden stops, or other hazards.
Reducing Your Risk Of Drunk Driving Auto Accident Injuries In Washington State
Under the Washington State Code, driving with any amount of alcohol in your system could result in severe penalties. These include heavy fines, driver’s license suspension, drug and alcohol education classes, mandatory community service, and a potential jail sentence. Drunk drivers may also be liable in a civil claim for any damages injured victims suffer in a crash.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over encourages state and local police officers to increase efforts at apprehending offenders through more traffic stops and checkpoints. To reduce your risks, take these steps:
- If you go out and know you will be drinking, make arrangements to get safely home;
- Do not drive with any amount of alcohol in your system or get into a vehicle with someone who may be impaired;
- Keep in mind that Washington State drunk driving accident risks increase at night and on weekends or holidays;
- If you notice a driver swerving or acting impaired, pull over at the first safe location and notify law enforcement.
Injured in A Drunk Driving-Related Crash? Contact Our Issaquah Auto Accident Attorney Today
Drunk driving accidents in Washington State can cause devastating injuries. At Injury Law Group NW, we help victims hold drunk drivers accountable. Contact our office to get the compensation you are entitled to. Request a consultation today with our Issaquah auto accident attorney.
Sources:
wtsc.wa.gov/impairment-dashboard/
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.502
