Drunk driving consequences are felt beyond the victim and the at-fault driver. Accidents caused by drunk drivers have a ripple effect on society by causing property damage and emotional and financial strains to families. Sadly, statistics show that one person dies every 39 minutes in the US because of drunk-driving crashes.
Victims should file a drunk driving accident claim to bring the at-fault party to justice. It is important to hire a well-experienced attorney to handle the claim, as it is usually fraught with challenges.
In this article, we will discuss the impact drunk drivers have on society.
Property Damage
It is common for drunk drivers to hit and damage property such as houses, trees, utility poles, buildings, and highway signs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, drunk driving resulted in $68.9 billion in economic costs.
Poor coordination due to alcohol impairment reduces the ability to maintain lanes, stay on the road, and brake at the right time, which causes drivers to swerve and hit nearby vehicles and other objects. They destroy private and public property and end up causing inconvenience to the general population.
Impeding Traffic
Crashes caused by drunk driving impede traffic. A wreckage could block a lane, forcing other cars to maneuver around it. Sometimes, police officers have to redirect traffic to allow emergency personnel to do their jobs.
Increased traffic results in delays. Data from 2023 shows that a typical American driver lost 51 hours in traffic. This results in time losses and more gas consumption. Don’t forget the frustration that comes with being stuck in traffic for hours.
Waste of Resources
Drunk driving places a significant strain on societal resources. We have all seen billboards, TV commercials, or public education emphasizing why drivers should not drink and drive.
Governments allocate a lot of resources to educating the public about the dangers of drunk driving. Police officers are also forced to spend much time enforcing these rules. From setting up checkpoints to conducting roadside tests, these actions divert their attention from other areas that need public safety. Emergency services also stretch their limited resources to cater to drunk drivers on something that could have been prevented.
Health and Emotional Strain on Families and Communities
The aftermath of drunk driving causes immense psychological burden on the families of victims. Families are left dealing with the stress and trauma of losing a loved one. They also have to pay for medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional toll of caring for someone in case of permanent disabilities.
This leads to increased stress and anxiety, which trickle down to society as a whole. Additionally, incidents of drunk driving increase fear, anger, and vulnerability in the community. The emotional impact of witnessing these tragedies is losing trust and feeling unsafe while on the road.
Conclusion
The impact of drunk drivers on society is huge and affects individuals in multiple ways. By causing emotional stress, damaging property, and consuming resources, drinking and driving hurts the community on so many levels. Addressing this issue should start with personal accountability before building a collective action.