Spreading the Word for National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month by The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A.

    WEST PALM BEACH, FL, December 09, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- December is designated as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month in the U.S., with organizations ranging from MAAD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to the Institute For Behavior and Health to state governments getting involved.

Although 10-year traffic statistics, released by the United States Census Bureau, show a decline in the total number of fatalities that occur as a result of dunk or drugged driving between 1999 and 2009, our nation as a whole still experiences an unusually large number of impaired driving deaths. Conservative estimates peg the number of U.S. crashes that are caused by impaired drivers at 20% of all crashes, translating into about 6,700 deaths a year, or about one death every 45 minutes.

In terms of drunk and drugged driving fatalities, how does Florida compare with other states?

Let some of these facts* be a reminder for you and your family this holiday season:
- Florida is ranked third in states with the most traffic fatalities at 2,558. California is number one with 3,081 deaths a year, and followed by Texas at 3,071 deaths a year.
- Florida is ranked third in states with the most traffic fatalities as a result of a drunk or drugged driver, with 904 deaths in 2012, representing 35% of all fatal crashes in the state for that year.

*Data source: U.S. National Highway Safety Administration, Traffic Safety Facts, Alcohol, Annual 2012

That's not too difficult to believe. Here are some recent headlines from our area:
March Date Set for Goodman DUI Manslaughter Trial
Woman in Jail Is Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Another Crash
"2 drunk 2 care" Tweet Draws Attention in Fatal Crash
Suburban Boca Raton Man Charged with DUI In Crash That Critically Injured Woman
FHP Troopers Cracking Down on Drunk Driving Through Halloween Weekend

So be careful out there. Be proactive, and use good judgment when debating whether or not you should be driving. If you have to debate it, you probably shouldn't be driving.

Please also keep in mind this month the dangers of highway trucking accidents. The fatalities in Florida are higher than they are in the nation, and that's cause for concern, and caution, this winter.

Throughout the month, we'll be updating our blog with additional posts with the purpose of spreading drunk and drugged driving awareness. It's a somber topic, but it's an important topic, in our opinion.

We'll also be posting the names of people throughout Florida who lose their life as a result of drunk or drugged driving in December 2013. Look for that section on the homepage.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of drunk or drugged driving, whether or not there was a fatality, please give our lawyers a call today to discuss your potential case at 1-800-GOLD-LAW.

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. represent clients injured in car accidents, in wrongful death cases, slip and fall premises injuries, nursing home abuse and negligence, and medical malpractice. The West Palm Beach, Florida-based firm has helped thousands of clients recover damages in their cases since 2002.

For more information, please visit http://www.800GOLDLAW.com or call 1-800-GOLD-LAW.

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