Posted in: | Apr 14,2018
Laws that require persons convicted of drunk driving offenses to have ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles, can help save lives in alcohol-related car accidents.
That information comes from a new study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The study found that laws that require all drunk driving offenders to have devices that prevent the person operating a motor vehicle when he is intoxicated, installed in all their vehicles, can reduce the number of people involved in fatal alcohol-related car accidents by as much as 16%.
The study was conducted in the state of Washington, and found that drunk driving recidivism dropped substantially after that state modified its existing drunk driving laws. The earlier laws required only drunk driving offenders who had a high blood alcohol concentration level at the time of their offense, or repeat offenders to have ignition interlock devices installed on their vehicles. However, the new laws expanded those laws to include all drunk driving offenders.
As the rate of drunk driving in Washington reduced as a result of the new laws, authorities noticed a significant drop in the number of drunk driving offenses. The researchers in the analysis found that the recidivism rates for drunk driving dropped from 7.7% before the law to 5.7% after the laws went into effect. The rate of drunk driving offenders involved in fatal crashes also dropped by 16 percent.
The findings of the analysis prove to Indiana car accident lawyers that laws that require ignition interlock devices for all offenders, can significantly help reduce the incidence of drunk driving and keep our roads safer for all.
Indiana has laws that require ignition interlock devices for all vehicles of drunk driving offenders. However, currently, the laws require that these devices be installed only for persons convicted of repeat offenses. Research has proved that stronger drunk driving laws that make it more expensive for offenders to drive under the influence of alcohol, help reduce the incidence of drunk driving and keep everyone safe.
Drunk driving accidents can be extremely serious, and result in severe injury to life and loss of property. A drunk driving accident is typically a high-impact accident, and often involves high speeds and reckless driving.
After any alcohol-related car accident, injured victims and their families must seek advice about their legal options to compensation. A claim must include not just compensation for medical expenses and lost income during the time that the person is off work as a result of the injury, but also long-term medical expenses, and diminished future earnings. It must also account for pain and suffering and other not-so-tangible losses that must also be included in the claim.
If you have suffered an injury in a drunk driving accident, speak with an Indianapolis car accident lawyer at Montross Miller Muller Mendelson Kennedy, LLP and learn about your rights under the law.
