New Jersey Drunk Driving Accident: State Prevention Strategies

It seems that few days go by without a DUI-related accident being reported on the news. While the dangers of driving while impaired are well-known, numerous Americans still choose to get behind the wheel while inebriated. In New Jersey it is no different. It is truly unfortunate that one may fall victim to a drunk driving accident as a result.

Between the years of 2003 and 2012, in New Jersey alone, almost 2,000 people lost their lives in collisions that involved drunk drivers. On a national level, it is believed that one in three auto-related deaths can be attributed to drunk drivers. These numbers speak for themselves and illuminate the seriousness of the issue at hand.

In the effort to reduce or prevent drunk driving accidents several laws and strategies have been implemented in the hopes of deterring this type of behavior. Current state laws include a zero tolerance policy for underage drinkers, blood-alcohol contents above .08 percent being illegal, mandatory license suspensions and the use of ignition interlocking devices. Other steps taken include:

• Public education
• Media campaigns
• Alcohol screenings
• Sobriety checkpoints

Each of these things has shown to help reduce the number of DUI-related accidents and fatalities, although, there is still a long way to go. Unfortunately, there are those who have been negatively affected by these types of incidents. A drunk driving accident that ends in a fatality can be challenging for a victim’s surviving family members to move past. Although it may be hard and emotionally draining, New Jersey residents who have found themselves in situations such as this may pursue legal actions with the intents of receiving not only justice for their loved ones but also compensation for any losses suffered.

Source: cdc.gov, “Sobering Facts: Drunk Driving in New Jersey“, Accessed on June 19, 2015