NHTSA’s Holiday Season Drunk Driving Campaign

Monday, December 23, 2019

NHTSA’s Holiday Season Drunk Driving Campaign

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

With the holiday season comes family get-togethers, social gatherings, and unfortunately, the possibility of drunk drivers operating vehicles on roadways in and around Chicago. Consequently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is again having its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign, beginning on December 13 and ending on December 31 of this year. The primary purpose of NHTSA’s annual program is to bring the public’s attention to the dangers of drunk driving. 

Unfortunately, drunk driving continues to be problematic in the greater Chicago area. Specifically, according to NHTSA statistics, over the course of the last five years, a total of 300 people lost their lives in drunk driving motor vehicle crashes over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

In addition to sustaining criminal penalties arising out of a DUI, a drunk driver could also be held civilly responsible for the injuries he or she causes to others in a car accident. A Chicago car accident lawyer at Malman Law can help you pursue monetary compensation and other damages that you deserve. Please give us a call today at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to learn more about how we could assist you throughout your personal injury case. 

Legal Standard for Drunk Driving

Because of the many dangers associated with driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (DUI), the law severely criminalizes drunk driving offenders. In terms of the actual legal standard for DUIs, an individual is not permitted to be in “actual physical control” of a motor vehicle if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. If the person’s BAC exceeds that level, then he or she can be arrested for DUI. Much more stringent DUI standards apply for commercial drivers, including large truck and tractor-trailer drivers, and for minors who are under 21 years of age. 

Bringing a Cause of Action for Money Damages

Drunk driving accidents can lead to extremely serious injuries, including head injuries (i.e., traumatic brain injuries), broken bones, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to assert a civil claim against the at-fault driver for the damages that you suffered in the accident. If your loved one died in a motor vehicle crash that was caused by a drunk driver, the personal representative of your loved one’s estate may be able to bring a wrongful death claim or file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault person or persons. 

Speak to a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered injuries in a Chicago car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, the experienced legal team at Malman Law will explain all of your legal rights and help you bring your claim against the person who was responsible for your accident. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Chicago car accident attorney, please call us at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to learn more.