Drunk Driving Car Accidents

St. Patrick’s Day is upon us and many festivities are planned in the metro area. Not only will there be a number of  party goers, including students returning from spring break, but law enforcement plans to be out in full force to put the kibosh on drunk driving and drunk driving car accidents.

According to a Des Moines Police Department spokesmen, there has been a spike in drunken driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day and, with 39 percent of fatality car accidents caused by drunk driving in the state, law enforcement hopes that those celebrating St Patrick’s Day will find a designated driver or take a cab to avoid problems.

Despite their best efforts, Iowa law enforcement is well aware that some drunk drivers will not be deterred, however. In fact, some drivers are arrested repeatedly for being drunk behind the wheel, some even after being involved in a fatality accident. It’s a constant struggle costing lives.

In fact, since 2005 more than 11,000 people were charged with intoxicated driving subsequent offense in the state. Over 200 drunk drivers were charged with vehicular homicide, some who had earlier DUI convictions. Of those responsible for causing the death of another while driving drunk, 13 drove after being charged or convicted.

“Why Iowa can’t seem to keep drunk drivers from driving again?” is a question that troubles many in the state, particularly those who have lost someone to a drunk driving accident. Many would like to see Iowa require chronic offenders barred from driving for life, particularly those whose actions have resulted in an injury or fatality car accident.  Clearly measures are needed to keep 1st offenders from graduating to 2nd, 3rd or aggravated DUI offenses to keep Iowa roads safe for everyone.

If you or a family member has been injured in an Iowa drunk driving accident, contact the personal injury law offices of John T. Hemminger for help today at 515-283-2116.