Few people exhibit as much bitterness and anguish as family members of people who were killed in a drunk driver-related collision.  Here at our Phoenix personal injury and wrongful death law firm, we help DUI victims receive just settlements from automobile insurance companies, but we cannot heal the emotional pain.

According to M.A.D.D. and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA):

−       2 in 3 people will be involved in a drunk driving collision in their lifetime

−       Every minute, an American is injured in a drunk driving collision

−       Every day, it is estimated that 300,000 Americans drive drunk; fewer than 4,000 are arrested

−       One-third of those arrested are repeat offenders

−       Males are more likely than females to drive drunk

−       The age group with the highest rate of drunk drivers is 21-25 years

−       Alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes cost more than an estimated $37 billion annually

−       In 2012, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes - one every 51 minutes

From August 15 to September 1, NHTSA has created the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign – perhaps you have seen the signs.  The entire month of September is Alcohol Recovery Month, sponsored by the Center for Substance Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  The problem is acknowledged and is being addressed; however, most individuals in our society do not recognize that alcohol is a dangerous drug.  According to Hingson, Ralph and D. Kenkel. “Social and Health Consequences of Underage Drinking,” teen alcohol use kills 4,700 people each year – that's more than all illegal drugs combined.

This is why M.A.D.D. has created “Red Ribbon Week,” a week in which schools educate students about the dangers of underage drinking, hold entertaining activities like creating a video for M.A.D.D.'s video contest, and encourage students to sign a pledge to not drink until they are 21 years old.  M.A.D.D. estimates it has saved 30,000 young lives through passage of the 21 Minimum Drinking Age Law.

Other proposed strategies to combat the problem are:

−       Zero tolerance laws to curb drunk driving

−       Encouraging assignment of designated drivers

−       Screening for risk of recidivism using impaired driver assessment

−       Ignition interlock system programs

−       Sobriety checkpoints during holidays

−       Sober/Safe Ride Programs

In the Phoenix area, the available sober driving vendors are as follows:

Discount Cab Free Ride Back Program

Phone: 520-388-9000

Hours: 24/7 Details:

Gives drivers a free ride back to their car next day – drivers pay for cab ride home.

Reservations for pick up required.

http://www.discountcab.com/options/free_ride_back.aspx

Be My DD

Phone: 1-877-823-6933

Hours: 24/7

Details: A driver takes you home in your own vehicle.

http://www.bemydd.com/our_services

Uber – Phoenix

Sign up for Uber service at:

http://www.UBER.COM

For more information, go to: http://duijusticelink.aaa.com/for-the-public/aaas-role/public-education/sober-ride

Remember, most drunk driving collisions occur on weekends, holidays and at night.  Strive to be on high alert at those times.

Jay Ciulla is a Phoenix personal injury and wrongful death lawyer who represents the victims of DUI and Drunk Driving.