As Los Angeles car accident lawyers, we have represented numerous clients who have been seriously injured or have lost loved ones in car accidents caused by drunk drivers. A recent column by Whittier Police Sgt. Dan Lowe in the Whittier Daily News takes a closer look at DUI statistics between 1997 and 2007. According to Sgt. Lowe's analysis, the DUI arrest rate per 10,000 was 863 in the year 2007. That number, he says, is only a sampling of the actual number of impaired drivers on the roadway.

California DUI Car Accident Statistics

In California, in 2007, there were 2,238 alcohol and drug related traffic accident deaths. That means about 56 percent of all the car accident deaths that year involved some level of impairment. This figure represents 2,238 individuals who chose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol and/or drugs, which in itself shows that DUI is a very legitimate problem in California.

If you asked 'What about enforcement?', here is your answer. About 45,000 drivers had their driving privilege suspended or revoked for driving under the influence in 2007.But the number of individuals who simply drive on a suspended or revoked license is equally high. According to Sgt. Lowe, the consequences of driving under the influence are simply not severe enough to change an individual's behavior after his or her arrest.

Driving under the influence is a serious offense in California. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been seriously injured in an alcohol-related accident, please consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will fight for your rights and make sure the negligent party is held liable. If the suspected drunk driver was on-the-job or running an errand at the time, his or her employer or the person they were running the errand for, may also be held liable.

Drunk driving, as evidenced by these statistics, is a huge problem in our society. Ultimately, it's about responsibility. Drunk driving is illegal; it is unethical and plain wrong. A driver's poor judgment can have devastating consequences on the victims and their families. Please drive safely!