April is Alcohol Responsibility Month, making now a good time for residents in and around Alpharetta to take a good look at the true risk that drunk drivers pose. With spring break season and upcoming proms and graduation events, the danger of drinking and driving among teens is also of concern at this time of year.
My Fox Atlanta reported that the American Automobile Association is actually launching an anti-drunk driving campaign targeted at teenagers for this reason. AAA will visit local Georgia high school to carry out its message and hopefully reduce the number of kids who may make the choice to drive after drinking. Eliminating even one motor vehicle accident is worth the effort.
Fulton County's Drunk Driving Statistics
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fulton County and Dekalb County together led the state with the most number of drunk driving fatalities in 2013. Detailed information includes the following:
- Statewide, there were 1,179 deaths in automobile accidents. Alcohol was a factor in 297 of those deaths.
- In both Fulton and Dekalb Counties, 22 people died at the hands of drunk drivers.
- Cobb County recorded 18 drunk driving deaths.
- Chatham County was the site of 14 vehicular fatalities associated with alcohol.
- In Gwinnett and Troup Counties, 10 people lost their lives in accidents involving alcohol.
Fulton County's 22 drunk driving deaths were out of a total of 85 vehicular fatalities for the year.
News Stories Show The Continued Risk
Drunk drivers put multiple people in harm's way at any time. This includes not just other motorists and passengers but bicyclists, pedestrians and even those not on roads or sidewalks. A WTVM news story told of a situation in which an allegedly intoxicated driver ran his vehicle into a restaurant sending an employee of the restaurant to the hospital for treatment. The driver faces both misdemeanor and felony charges, including those for driving while under the influence of alcohol. He is in custody on a $200,000 bond.
In Savannah, another driver was arrested on a $3,500 bond after hitting another vehicle in an intersection, injuring three children and two adults. According to one report, all three of the children were thrown from the vehicle during the impact and were taken to a hospital along with the adults in the car.
What Can Victims Do?
When an accident cannot be avoided, it is important for victims to know they have rights. Talking to an attorney immediately is a wise step and can help to secure appropriate compensation.
Struck down by a drunk driver? for a free initial consultation. Our office is conveniently located in Alpharetta, Georgia.