Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Alcohol and Car Accidents
In 2005, the Canadian Institute for Health Information released a report that Canadian youth were more likely than adults to be involved in an alcohol-related
car accident. The following sobering statistics were despite intensive public education campaigns on the dangers of drunk driving:
- More than 30% of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions in Canada in 2002-03 involved people under the age of 25.
- Of all deaths involving Canadian drivers who were drunk, 43% were under the age of 25.
- Between 2000-01 and 2002-03, 144 youths who had driven while impaired died in hospital after sustaining major injuries in a crash.
- The number of drunk-driving youths seriously injured in accidents rose from 237 in 2001-01 to 267 in 2001-02, but dipped to 250 in 2002-03.
- Most of the crashes involving youths occurred on the weekends (77%) and at night (72%).
- The peak period for the accidents is in June, when youths are just finishing their school year and celebrating at graduations, proms and parties.
The report also revealed that motor vehicle collisions involving drivers of all age groups were responsible for more than half (783) of the alcohol-related hospitalizations in Canada in 2002-03. This was a 9% increase over three years.
Regardless of the driver's age, alcohol-related car accidents can take the lives and livelihood of the impaired drivers and innocent victims as well. At Findlay Law, we can help you if you've been injured or if a loved one has been killed in an auto accident. Please
contact our office for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights.
posted by Patti at 12:20 PM
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