The recent uptick in the number of New Mexico drunk driving crashes mirrors a nationwide problem of increased drinking and driving. It is important to understand the current crisis and what is being done about it. And, if you are ever injured in an Albuquerque drunk driving crash, an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer with Parnall Law can help.
Alcohol Death Figures Nationwide
The pandemic has had a negative effect on people’s health in many ways, including increasing unhealthy drinking levels. One study found that one-third of people surveyed had been binge drinking during the pandemic and the amount they were drinking increased as the pandemic continued.
Research published by Massachusetts General Hospital reported that excessive alcohol consumption increased by 21 percent nationwide in 2020, which it anticipated would lead to 8,000 more deaths from alcohol-related liver disease and 18,700 cases of liver failure. Researchers projected that additional mortality levels could increase up to 35 percent if alcohol consumption levels continued at the same amounts.
Increased alcohol consumption correlates to more alcohol-related car crashes. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reported that fatal crashes involving alcohol increased by 9 percent nationwide in 2020 even though fewer vehicles on the road due to lockdowns.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, fatal New Mexico drunk driving accidents increased from 88.5 out of every 100,000 people in 2020, up from 66 just a few years earlier. Other states have experienced similar spikes, including Maryland and Wisconsin.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents?
A national, collaborative effort is needed to prevent drunk driving accidents. Some of the actions that are currently being undertaken or proposed to help in this effort include:
- Funding programs to address addiction
- Mandating technology in vehicles to prevent impaired driving
- Providing treatment to people with problems with drugs or alcohol
- Establishing review teams to evaluate factors that lead to overdose fatalities
- Researching medicines that could reduce the urge to drink alcohol
- Expanding telehealth programs to provide more assistance to people at home during the pandemic
- Ensuring that insurance programs cover addiction treatment and mental health services
- Using apps that help people recover from alcohol addiction
- Teaching people about alcohol addiction
- Not glamorizing binge drinking
- Investigating more effective methods to provide alcohol education to young people
Need an Injury Attorney? Contact Parnall Law Today
If you were hurt in a drunk driving crash, turn to the seasoned Albuquerque car accident lawyers at Parnall Law. Our dedicated team has provided zealous legal representation to accident victims since 1997. We offer a 100% client satisfaction guarantee.
Hurt? Call Bert or contact us online. Find out about the Parnall Law difference when you hire us to represent you in a drunk driving crash.
