Just a single alcoholic beverage can significantly affect a person’s driving skills, leading to impaired judgment and decreased visual abilities.
Driving with impaired judgment increases the risk of accidents manifold. With St. Louis replete with fast lanes and highways, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs puts you at a very high risk of fatal accidents.
This blog post will examine the current state of DUI accidents in St. Louis and possible ways this rage can be curbed.
A Look at Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 10,000 individuals lost their lives in DUI accidents in the USA last year. That averages out to over 30 deaths every single day!
Missouri has the 12th-highest rate of fatalities in accidents caused by drunk driving, with 4.30 deaths per 100,000 state residents. Furthermore, it is positioned 11th in the ranking of states with the most fatalities caused by drunk-driving accidents.
Moreover, 235 lives were tragically lost and nearly 3,500 individuals were injured as a result of DUI accidents in Missouri in 2022.
However, contrary to popular belief, DUI also includes drug use in addition to alcohol consumption before sitting behind the wheel. The opioid crisis is not looking to slow down soon. Driving under the influence of synthetic drugs can be life-threatening for the driver and others on the road.
The situation is grim. Life is cheaper than alcohol and drugs in this state.
A Few Recent Accidents
It was just last year, in September, that the state witnessed a horrific crash. In this tragic incident, an individual who was under the influence of drugs rammed into a car, resulting in the unfortunate death of the other car owner.
In another stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving, a DWI (driving while intoxicated) accident in South St. Louis County claimed the life of a pedestrian.
A 22-year-old driver, attempting to pass on the shoulder of a highway, struck a man walking alongside the road. The impact was so severe that it threw the pedestrian through the windshield.
Imagine the hoopla around the venue hosting Drake’s live concert in St. Louis. Hearing him live is a dream for many. However, what transpired for a mother and daughter leaving the concert was nothing short of dreadful.
On February 13th, a mother and daughter duo were killed on the crosswalk at North 18th and Olive streets while returning from the concert. Police reports indicate the driver who struck them may have been speeding and disregarded a red light. The video of the accident went viral.
The graphic video shows the car continuing at high speed after the initial impact with the two victims. The video also shows the car dragging them for a good distance from the crosswalk. These tragic incidents underscore the potential for deadly consequences when drivers choose to operate a vehicle under the influence.
According to TorHoerman Law, if you are ever involved in a car accident, do not think twice before filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver(s) involved. Team up with experienced lawyers who will fight tooth and nail to help you get compensated for the losses (tangible and intangible).
St. Louis is one of the most at-risk cities when it comes to road mishaps. Take help from a St. Louis car accident attorney to fight for justice and compensation for the injuries and trauma.
What Do the Rules Say?
In the state of Missouri, the legal drinking age is set at 21 years old. For drivers who are over the age of 21, the permissible blood alcohol content (BAC) level is 0.08%.
Here, once a driver’s BAC reaches 0.08%, no additional evidence of impairment is required for the driver to face a DWI charge. This law is commonly referred to as a “per se” BAC limit DWI law.
Missouri law also allows for a more severe penalty, commonly known as an “aggravated DWI,” if the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15% or higher.
Furthermore, individuals who are below the legal drinking age in Missouri (21 years old) are required to adhere to an even more stringent BAC level of 0.02%. This policy is commonly referred to as a “zero tolerance law.”
Read also: How Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Complex Liability Issues and Multiple Parties
Combating the Rise of DUI Accidents in St. Louis
Curbing the rise of DUI accidents in St. Louis necessitates a comprehensive strategy. Existing initiatives like DUI checkpoints (not too prevalent these days) and designated driver programs provide a foundation.
However, stricter enforcement measures, including enhanced penalties and mandatory ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, can act as a strong deterrent.
Technological advancements offer promising solutions. Integrating alcohol detection systems into vehicles could prevent intoxicated individuals from starting their cars.
Additionally, promoting ridesharing services and expanding public transportation options provide safe alternatives for those who have consumed alcohol.
To sum up, the battle against DUI accidents requires not only legal muscle but also public education. Sustained public awareness campaigns can highlight the devastating consequences of drunk driving and emphasize responsible choices.
Moreover, collaborating with rehabilitation centers can connect those struggling with alcohol abuse with the necessary support. This multi-faceted approach holds the potential to significantly reduce DUI accidents in St. Louis.
