According to data available in 2016 for Massachusetts, there are 119 deaths annually that can be attributed to drunk driving. This accounts for around 31 percent of all traffic fatalities in Massachusetts. This could be one of the reasons that Mothers Against Drunk Driving ranked the state as the 36th worst state in the country for how it handles drunk driving accidents and prevention.
Their report focused on drunk driving counter measures, specifically the ignition interlock law. There is no all-offender ignition interlock law in the state. This means that only repeat offenders are subject to an in-car Breathalyzer test that they must pass before they can start their car. Currently, the law does not subject first-time offenders to install this system in their vehicle, unlike the law in other states.
According to this group, more than 30,000 people were prevented from starting their cars between 2006 and 2016. Given this data, expanding the law would significantly reduce drunk driving crashes in the state, the group against drunk driving claimed. Legislation is currently being considered in the state to expand the law.
A drunk driving accident is a type of crash that could be prevented entirely if the drunk driver had not gotten behind the wheel while intoxicated in the first place. An accident of this nature can leave thecar accident victim feeling frustrated, seeking answers and in need of medical treatment. A personal injury lawsuit is one way to get compensation to cover medical expenses related to the crash.
