Study Shows Role of Alcohol Greatly Underestimated In Car Accidents

A study released by the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism sheds new light on the role of alcohol in car accidents.

The study, led by Ralph Hingson, was done by looking at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s database and noting down the blood alcohol levels of individuals who died in car accidents.
This data was then compared with data from death certificates from all states in the country. The researchers were able to see that in some cases, death certificates were issued even before toxicology reports detailing blood alcohol levels came back.

Alcohol intoxication records left out.

While it’s obvious that people in car accidents die from common things such as extensive injuries or burns, alcohol intoxication isn't generally thought of as the defining cause of these accidents. This means that a large number of auto accidents over the years did not put into consideration the role of alcohol in causing accidents.
 
Alcohol is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Alcohol misuse typically refers to drinking enough alcohol impair one’s judgment during driving. According to the law, the legal limit that one needs to be past in order to be considered drunk is .08%.
Researchers involved in this study also found out only a measly 3 percent of death certificates examined listed alcohol as a contributing cause. This was not in alignment with their results which showed that 21 percent of fatalities involved individuals who were legally drunk. Additionally, it was found that alcohol was 81 percent less likely to be reported by doctors responsible for completing and issuing death certificates.

We need sweeping changes in legislature.

Statistics also show that 70 percent of drivers killed in car accidents go through alcohol testing. This really defeats the purpose of testing if these results aren’t put in death certificates. Ralph and his team are working hard to ensure that the government as well as the legal justice system change present laws to ensure that tougher measures against drunk driving are put in place to help save more lives.

Alcohol awareness.

Were you aware that this month is Alcohol Awareness Month? Take this opportunity to help spread awareness by sharing this news with your friends and family. If this month's awareness event prevents even one person from drinking and driving, it's been a success.
Rasansky Law Firm is a Dallas car accident law firm that’s dealt with numerous drunk driving cases. For more information on car accidents, please get in touch with us by calling (214) 651-6100 right now. We're available 24 hours a day.