Despite More Police, Drunk Driving up After Super Bowl Victory

New York Giant’s fans really know how to party, but according to state police more people were arrested for drunk driving after the 2012 Super Bowl victory than the 176 that were arrested in 2008. In preparation for the big game, New Jersey police thought they had learned from the Giant’s 2008 triumph and added over 100 more squad cars to the streets, but partying fans celebrated into the night, and unfortunately, into the streets.

Nearly every driver knows that driving while under the influence is never a good idea. Yet, when alcohol is involved, poor judgments are made and many believe they are sober enough to drive. Accidents that involve a drunk driver do not end well for either party, and statistics speak for themselves.

• One in three people will be involved in an alcohol related car accident at some point in their lifetime
• Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and one out of three of those involve alcohol
• Every minute, someone is injured in an alcohol related car accident
• In Monmouth County, New Jersey 37 people per 10,000 are arrested for DUI every year
• In 2005, there were 20 drunk driving deaths in Monmouth County alone
• Seventy-five percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive

Drunk driving is a serious crime and should be treated that way. When a sober driver is injured due to a drunk driver, action must be taken. Without proper response and punishment, drivers will continue to drive under the influence and more lives will be forever altered. Anyone injured by a drunk driver should take the following steps:

• Assess the scene. Make sure you and your passengers are okay. If not, call 911.
• Involve the police. Drunk drivers may try to persuade you not to call the police. Do not be swayed. Involve the police in every accident. Call your insurance company. Make sure they are aware of the situation and what kind of damage has occurred to both cars.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer.

There is no way to sugar coat drunk driving. It is illegal and it is dangerous. Everyone must do their part to eliminate alcohol related car accidents and to hold the negligent driver accountable.

A person who is injured due to the negligence of a drunk driver may be entitled to injury and lost wage benefits. These include medical bills and even pain and suffering from the crash. The drunken driver who caused the accident may also be liable for the property damage including any damage to the injured motorist’s vehicle.