Polk County Woman And Child Unharmed In Accident
A Polk County mother and her young child escaped injuries in a recent accident that occurred in Lake Wales. According to police, the accident was a result of the woman’s driving while under the influence of alcohol, as allegedly told authorities she was drunk after drinking four beers. The woman is facing a list of charges as a result of the incident, but both she and her son are fortunate to have made it through the accident without suffering any physical injuries.
Drunk Driving Kills
Not many factors are more likely to cause an accident than driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sadly, however, it continues to happen despite continual efforts to stop the problem. In one recent year, drunk driving deaths accounted for close to thirty percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the State of Florida; this percentage actually reflected an increase from the previous year in the number of drunk driving accident deaths.
Florida’s Rates For Drunk Driving Deaths Exceed National Averages
In a sobering look at the rates for one recent year of those killed in accidents in which drunk driving was a factor, Florida’s rate was higher than the national average for each age group with the exception of the 0 to 20 year olds as well as for all ages together. The group with the highest disparity between Florida’s rates compared to national rates was the 21 to 34 year old group; for both Florida and national statistics for this group, however, the numbers were the highest out of any of them, with Florida having eight deaths per 100,000 people compared to the national average of just under seven deaths per 100,000 people. Looking at the statistics for gender, Florida’s rates were again higher than the national average for both males and females. Going with the theme, the percentage of adults that reported having driven after drinking ‘too much’ was again higher in Florida than in the United States overall.
Florida’s Interlock Requirement
In 2014, the State of Florida took another step towards trying to prevent drunk driving by allowing judges to impose interlock requirements on first-time drunk driving offenders found to have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 to .14 instead of having their vehicles impounded for ten days. Those first-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher are not afforded the choice; they are required to have ignition interlock systems.
Contact Us With Your Legal Matter
If you have been injured as a result of an auto accident, contact Boone & Davis. Our experienced professionals will review the facts of your case with you and help you to understand what your case may involve and what you may expect as a result of filing a lawsuit. Knowing what to expect is the best first step in deciding how to proceed. Know that you do not have to face the court system on your own. Contact us today either by visiting us online or by calling 954.556.5260 to schedule your appointment today.
