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NHTSA Warns Against Drinking and Driving on Super Bowl Sunday

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
big game partyThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is raising awareness about increased drunk driving associated with Super Bowl Sunday. The federal agency launched its annual “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign to remind drivers about the dangers of drunk driving, highlighting the fact that Super Bowl Sunday is no exception for this behavior. Drunk driving claims the lives of 10,625 people every year in the U.S., which averages about one death every 51 minutes. The NHTSA is reminding drivers everywhere that operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content over .08 is illegal, and violators will be arrested, charged and prosecuted. While Super Bowl Sunday is not the worst day in California for drunk driving crashes, the number of incidents continue to grow each year and represent a significant increase from other Sundays throughout the year. For the last five years, the number of auto accidents caused by impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday has increased by 77 percent, compared to other Sundays. In the mid-2000s, the number of car accidents caused by impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday was at 44 percent. Local law enforcement is taking steps to ensure those who violate drunk driving laws are caught. At least one DUI traffic-stop check-point will be set up on Saturday night to send a message for drivers on Sunday. In 2016, California Highway Patrol (CHP) made 360 drunk driving arrests statewide on Super Bowl Sunday. This accounted for the second highest number of drunk driving arrests on a single day, aside from Labor Day weekend when the CHP launched a weekend long campaign on drunk driving. The NHTSA and California’s safety officials and law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers that alternative modes of transportation exist and will lessen the risk of a fatal drunk driving accident. The NHTSA’s app, SaferRide, and California’s Office of Traffic Safety’s Designated Driver VIP (DDVIP) will help locate a taxi or ride service as an alternative to driving. Both apps are free and are available for Apple and Android devices. If you choose to drink on Sunday, remember to consume alcohol responsibly in a safe environment and to select a designated driver beforehand. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to pursue justice and compensation. The Sacramento auto accident attorneys at the Arnold Law Firm can help you fight for the damages you deserve.

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Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.