Drunk driving in Colorado: What are the statistics?

Most Denver residents know how dangerous it is to drink and drive. Thousands of families unexpectedly lose loved ones each year because someone made the decision to drive when they were impaired. All of these accidents are completely preventable. A drunk driving accident affects a person’s life forever, and it is important that victims of drunk drivers know their legal rights.

In Colorado, drinking and driving is still a major problem. In 2015, 545 people died in car accidents in Colorado. Thirty-two percent of those accidents were caused by an impaired driver. The State of Colorado is trying to reduce the number of these accidents from occurring. Safety improvements such as sobriety checkpoints and an ignition interlock system are helping.

Over 25,000 people were arrested for a DUI in Colorado last year which hopefully helped to cut down on accidents and serious injuries. Those who are arrested for a DUI face stiff penalties, including high fines, alcohol treatment programs, and even jail time in certain circumstances.

If a family has been affected by a drunk driver, there can be life-long complications. A car accident involving an intoxicated driver may lead to serious injuries that require months of rehabilitation or even death. No one expects their loved one to die because of an accident and a family can be left without their beloved companion, parent, breadwinner, son or daughter.

In these situations, a legal professional who is skilled in personal injury can help a family sort out their options. They can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and help determine what happened. If the accident was caused by a negligent driver, compensation may be available for medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.

No one should have to suffer from an accident caused by a drunk driver. These accidents are completely preventable. Those who are caught drunk driving should be held accountable so that they don’t harm anyone else.

Source: madd.org, “Colorado”, accessed on May 14, 2017

Category:

• Drunk Driving Accidents