Utah Fatal DUI Car Accident on the Rise
Fatal DUI Car Accidents Increasing in Utah
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released their most recent findings from the research of all the 2008 traffic accidents and fatalities across the nation. The results: In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater). These deaths constitute 31.6 percent of the 37,261 total traffic fatalities in 2008. It is tragic that drunk driving has claimed so many innocent victims. After witnessing increased DUI arrests, Utah lawmakers and lobbyists have been taking a stricter stance on the subject. Unfortunately, one of Utah own advocates against drunk driving was arrested last Friday for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Utah Senator Resigns Following DUI Arrest
On Saturday, January 16, 2010, state Senate Majority leader Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, resigned. He had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol the Friday evening before. This arrest came as a major shock to the community. During his career in the legislature, Senator Killpack was considered a hardliner against drunk driving in Utah. He had lost his own father to a drunk driver and has been passionately involved in the campaign to reduce alcohol related Utah car accidents. In fact, he worked closely with the President Art Brown of the Utah Chapter of MADD (Mothers against Drunk Driving) on legislation to toughen DUI laws.
Senator Killpack’s immediate resignation came as a surprise for the political community. For one, the Utah State Legislature will begin convening next week. Senator Killpack has been actively involved in several key committees and pieces of legislation. Now the Republican Party must find a replacement and fast. In a KSL interview, Dave Hansen, chairman of the Utah Republican Party, he stated, “It's gone from shocking to just unbelievable to very, very intense.” Many lawmakers and community members wonder what effects of the Senator “quitting” will have on 2010 legislative session. However, many people support the Senator resignation as further demonstrating his stance against Drunk Driving and breaking the law.
Fatal DUI Car Accidents In Utah
While Utah may be on the bottom of the total number of DUI related car crashes in the Nation, Utah does have an increasing drunk driving problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Utah had an 81 percent increase in the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities from 2003 to 2004 which is the largest percentage increase of any state in the nation. The following statistics, from Deseret News report on drunk driving accident in Utah, help to demonstrate this rising trend:
• In 2003, Utah had 36 alcohol related traffic accident deaths
• In 2004, Utah had 65 alcohol related traffic accident deaths
• Most recent statistics from NHTSA show that Utah had 50 DUI fatalities in 2008
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
We take an unwavering stand against drunk driving in Utah. We only represent the victims and their families of alcohol related car crashes. The foundation of the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, is based on the integrity of finding justice for those who have been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident caused by the reckless decisions of another person. Our experienced personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers are willing to sit down with you to discuss your full legal options. If your Salt Lake City accident was a result of another’s negligence you are entitled to be compensated by the responsible party or their insurance provider for expenses like lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driver accidents, we can seek punitive damages.
If you or someone you love has suffered through an auto accident injury in Utah and you feel it is the result of the negligence of another we urge you to contact us online or call us at 801-506-0800 (Main number), 801-224-2999 (Utah County) or 801-294-9500 (Davis County) to set up a FREE consultation today.
