December Holidays Show Increase in DWI Accidents
The end of each year is marked by holiday cheer. However, during the holidays, statistics show an increase of drivers on the road as well as intoxicated driving. This year, the Missouri Highway Patrol is participating in operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) over the holidays. During Thanksgiving weekend last year, there were 1,736 traffic crashes with 14 killed and 634 injured.
According to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD), about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident at some point in their lives. In addition, a first-time offender has driven an average of 87 times prior to being arrested. The highest number of drunk driving fatalities fall under the 21-24 age group. In 2007, Missouri had 130 fatalities for that age group, 45% of which were alcohol-related. December holidays and New Years often show an increase in drunk driving accidents.
Drunk driving is a serious crime; and too many first-time offenders are allowed to keep charges off their records. Fortunately the mayor of St. Louis, Francis Slay, announced last Tuesday that St. Louis prosecutors would no longer offer plea bargains to first-time drunk driving offenders. According to a Post-Dispatch report in October, these deals were common throughout the region. Plea bargains and improper record-keeping often allowed repeat offenders to escape harsher punishments. In the state of Missouri, drunk drivers face 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, and points on their drivers’ licenses.
Drunk drivers can be held liable for any injuries and wrongful deaths imposed on victims. If you have been injured in an accident in Missouri where the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyers at Page Cagle have helped clients recover finances for medical bills and grief. Contact us today by calling (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation.
