The California Highway Patrol has begun a one-year effort to create awareness around impaired driving. CHP partnered with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in a Statewide Impairment Reduction campaign. The campaign, nicknamed SIR, runs from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018.
Funds for the SIR campaign were provided by a grant from OTS through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The program will include a variety of initiatives including traffic safety education and DUI checkpoints, among others. The goal of law enforcement is to educate the public about the risks of impaired driving in order to reduce the number of roadway accidents, injuries, and deaths.
Impaired Driving in California
Impaired driving is a serious concern in California as well as in other states. According to Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SITRS), there were 663 deaths and 11,061 injuries within CHP jurisdiction in 2015 as a result of impaired driving.
Impaired driving includes more than alcohol consumption. While alcohol is a major factor in many impaired driving accidents, drug use may also be considered impairment. The use of prescription drugs, marijuana, street drugs, and alcohol may all contribute to impairment.
Those who get behind the wheel while impaired may cause accidents with serious injuries or fatalities. If you suspect that another driver is driving under any influence you should contact the police immediately. Move away from the suspected vehicle and provide as much information as possible to the police.
What to do After an Accident with a Suspected DUI Driver
If you were involved in an accident caused by an impaired driver you should immediately notify police. Do not take matters into your own hands. If the other driver does not stop, do not follow the vehicle. Gather as much information as possible and allow the police to handle the situation.
Impaired driving is most likely negligent driving. When a driver gets behind the wheel while impaired he or she knows that there are dangers and is responsible for any accidents and injuries that occur because of his or her negligent actions.
When to Contact an Attorney
If you were injured in an accident due to an impaired driver, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. Before you make a statement or accept an offer, it is in your best interest to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney.
You need to make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation necessary to cover your medical costs and other damages. In some instances it may be best to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
You might be entitled to money for your medical treatments, medication costs, therapy or rehabilitation expenses and future medical bills. You may also be compensated for punitive damages such as money for pain and suffering and for lost wages. Your attorney will help negotiate a settlement or will represent you if the matter proceeds to court.
If you were seriously hurt due to an accident with an impaired driver, contact the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to discuss the details of your case today.
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