Early Morning Driver Suspected of DUI
A suspected DUI driver drove head-on into another car early Tuesday morning. It happened near the intersection of 148th Street SW on State Route 99 in Lynnwood.
The suspected DUI driver, a 45-year-old Auburn woman, was heading north in the southbound lanes in a Hyundai Sonata before smashing head-on into a black 2007 Hyundai Elantra.
Three people were seriously hurt in the crash, including the wrong-way driver. She is now being held in the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of DUI and vehicular assault.
The 54-year-driver of the Elantra and his 20-year-old passenger are at different area hospitals receiving care for their injuries.
A Trooper with the Washington State Patrol said that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Highway 99 was back to normal traffic flow after 3 hours of closure and investigations. https://komonews.com/news/local/3-injured-in-crash-as-suspected-dui-driver-heads-wrong-way-up-hwy-99
DUI: Cause of a Third of all Traffic Fatalities
Over 30,000 people die in auto accident crashes every year in the United States. A third of these fatalities are the direct result of many driving of the influence of drugs or alcohol. Breaking the numbers down, that means we lose 28 people in DUI crashes every day because someone chose to drink and drive.
Considering the statistical percentages, and an understanding that alcohol consumption is a personal choice, it’s entirely reasonable to conclude that a third of traffic deaths are preventable.
All 50 states have laws in place to help protect the public from drunk drivers. With a minimum drinking age of 21 years old and zero tolerance laws for minors, thousands of people are alive today since their implementation.
Can We Prevent DUI?
Individual states are continually working on programs and strategies to decrease the numbers of those driving under the influence. Tougher laws and measures are generally try to get to the root of the problem. They want to improve the odds by preventing roadway fatalities.
Washington state, as well as many others, acknowledge that the best way to reduce motor vehicle deaths, and their subsequent costs, are to prevent DUI crashes. Some effective means they’ve implemented to help prevent these types of crashes are:
- Graduated driver licensing systems
- Ignition interlocks for those previously convicted of driving under the influence
- Seat belt and car seat awareness programs
Sobriety checkpoints work in several states across the country but are currently illegal in Washington state. For more information about these programs and policies, visit: www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety
Responsibility Starts With Me
Because of drinking and driving is a personal choice, many organizations are working tirelessly to track statistics and the effects of drunk driving. By doing this, they are hoping to bring awareness to the issue. They want to help people recognize their own responsibility in preventing these terrible crashes.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Responsibility.org are great sources of information when it comes to addressing the issue with friends and co-workers; or maybe even closer to home, with oneself or family members.
Nationally, we’ve seen a tremendous improvement since the 1980’s in the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths. But far too many are still suffering from injuries caused by intoxicated drivers or reeling from the loss of friends and family members taken too soon in DUI crashes.
We know we can do better. Responsibility has different meanings and roles for everyone. But when it comes to alcohol and driving, we should be inspired by movements like Responsibility #StartsWithMe. https://www.responsibility.org/start-a-conversation/drinking-responsibly/starts-with-me/
Our Auto Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help
Not only can DUI or head-on crashes be devastating for those involved, they can leave families in a state of shock. Seeking legal counsel may not be the first thought for those who sustained personal injuries through no fault of their own, but it’s likely you’re going to need some help.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a auto accident caused by a drunk driver, call Fielding Law Group for are free consultation today. We are on YOUR side. Our experienced legal team will work hard to get the compensation you deserve while you recover. By working one-on-one with our clients, we are able to offer the best legal representation throughout the entire resolution process. Our unparalleled abilities mean that you can concentrate on healing, while we make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Remember–Don’t let an accident wreck YOU!
FREE PERSONAL INJURY & AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY CONSULTATIONS • WE DON’T GET PAID UNLESS YOU WIN • WE’RE HERE TO HELP
