According to KSL News, a white car and a GMC suburban were stopped at light at 3300 South and 500 West in South Salt Lake City on October 3, 2008 when a Jeep slammed into the back of them at a high rate of speed, causing the suburban to flip on its side. The police believe the driver of the Jeep was driving while intoxicated.
There are about 17,000 alcohol related car accident deaths in the United States each year, this means that there is a drunk driving death every 31 minutes. Alcohol was a factor in 39 percent of all fatal accidents and in 7 percent of all crashes in 2004. Additionally about 248,000 people are injured in accidents where police reported that alcohol was present, thus one person is injured in a drunk driving accident in the US every 2 minutes.
While Utah’s statistics are lower than the national average, they are still startling. In 2006, 19% of all traffic fatalities involved a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. These incredible statistics reveal why drunk driving is a major public policy issue.
All 50 states in the US apply statutory offenses to driving under the influence of alcohol. The offense is known either as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated/impaired (DWI), or operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated/impaired (OWI). This is based upon a police officer's observations (driving behavior, slurred speech, the results of a roadside sobriety test, etc.).
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Utah DUI car accident, they would be well advised to consult with a Utah Accident Attorney. Insurance companies have made it a practice to try and settle these claims quickly, before victims can consult with a lawyer. They do this as fast as possible because most DUI car accident victims do not understand the aggravated circumstances may qualify you for additional damages and can add significant value to your claim.
To learn more about the insurance companies’ tactics or to consult with a Utah drunk driving accident attorney, request a free copy of a book I wrote for Utah accident victims at www.UtahAccidentBook.com
