Drunk Driving on College Campuses

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Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers discuss drunk driving on college campuses. Drunk driving continues to be a serious problem in the United States, despite the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, public health officials, and groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Too many innocent lives are lost, simply because someone made the irresponsible and reckless decision to get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated.

Unfortunately, a significant percentage of drunk driving accidents are caused by college-aged young adults, many of whom are under the age of 21. Regardless of whether this is a result of their new-found independence, peer pressure, or a moment of poor judgment, one bad decision can have devastating consequences.

While this is not true for every college student, excessive alcohol consumption has become a rite of passage on college campuses, particularly if a student is participating in a sorority or fraternity. In addition to the fact that consuming too much alcohol can increase the person’s risk of injury, assault, and sexual abuse, the person is much more likely to be involved in a serious car accident if they get behind the wheel, or accept a ride from someone who has had too much to drink.

Too often, however, college-aged kids think that nothing bad will ever happen to them, or they do not think they are as intoxicated as they really are.

Statistics on College Drunk Driving

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one person dies every 48 minutes in drunk-driving accidents in the United States.
  • MADD reports that two of three people will be involved in a drunk driving-related accident at some point in their life.
  • Approximately one third of drunk driving convictions and arrests involve repeat offenders.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that the annual economic cost of drunk driving accidents is roughly $130 billion.
  • The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) warns that college students are at particular risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident.
  • Young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to combine illegal drugs and alcohol when driving.
  • MADD reports that drunk driving is most common among drivers between the ages of 21 and 25.
  • Roughly 20 percent of college students admitted to drunk driving at some point.

College administrators can work with local law enforcement and community organizations to prevent underage drinking, and raise awareness of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.

In addition, by offering a range of healthy, safe, and fun alternatives to drinking, they can reduce the number of serious car accidents, and other dangerous behavior that is often connected to alcohol consumption.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver, it is in your best interest to contact the highly skilled, experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Drunk driving is an extremely serious crime. We will investigate the details of your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries. Our dedicated team will work tirelessly to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve, protecting your legal rights every step of the way. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.