Believe it or not, in the last decade, alcohol has been involved in nearly one in three of all fatal car accidents. According to one recent survey, more than one in four of those fatal accidents could have been prevented if an alcohol detection system had been installed in their vehicle. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
More Than 9,000 Lives Could Be Saved
The type of alcohol-detection system that determines if a person has been drinking and, if they are over the legal limit, prevents them from driving, could potentially save more than 9,000 lives per year in just the United States. This is according to a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That would account for more than 25% of all drunk driving-related fatal car accidents.
Alcohol is a Factor in 30% of All Fatal Car Accidents in the United States
For the last ten years, alcohol has been a factor for at least 30% of fatal car accidents each year. Police arrest more than one million people every year for driving drunk. When there is a system that can automatically prevent people from driving while they are drunk, it seems as though it might be common sense to install it in vehicles.
These are the same devices that are required to be installed for people who are found guilty of a DUI. They are called ignition interlock systems and they attach to a breath-testing unit. The driver must blow into it and be under the legal amount before their vehicle starts.
Would People Accept This Addition?
The question of course is whether or not people in the United States would support the installation of these products. After all, it can be seen as an invasion of privacy. That said, ten years ago nearly 66% of all U.S. drivers who were polled said that they would support these systems being installed, assuming they were accurate, fast, and not overly obtrusive.
Some vehicle manufacturers, including Volvo, have tried to offer these interlock devices as optional equipment. The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) is also testing a passive alcohol sensor that can detect how intoxicated the driver is by measuring ambient air within the vehicle.
Call an Attorney if You Are Injured or Affected by a Drunk Driving Accident
We have found that support for these devices often comes down to whether or not a person has even been personally impacted by a drunk driver. Those who have lost a loved one in this type of accident would generally do anything they could to bring their loved one back. While we cannot do that, we can help you find closure and recoup financial damages. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation.
