Modesto Injury Lawyer Blog

New in-vehicle technology being initiated by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety could reduce the threat of habitual drunk drivers causing fatal

Our Modesto personal injury attorneys know the extreme risks drunk drivers pose to innocent motorists on the roads of California and across the nation. In 2009, over 10,000 fatalities occurred as a result of a drunk driving accident, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, equating to 32% of total traffic fatalities for the year.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and NHTSA Safety Administrator David Strickland were among the first to view the new Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) at a demonstration recently held in Waltham, MA. Early in development, the proposed $10 million initiative will likely keep drunk drivers from being able to operate their car if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is detected to be at the legal limit of .08 or higher. One system determines BAC through a touch-based method while the other detects BAC through a breath-based approach.

Unlike ignition interlock devices, which are temporarily installed in the vehicles of some repeat offenders, the new technology could be much more permanent and could even be installed by the manufacturer.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving President Laura Dean-Mooney, also present at the demonstration, welcomed the progress of the DADSS research effort, saying, "Auto makers have stepped up to help turn cars into the cure. This project has made substantial progress and this technology could one day be an important step in our efforts to eliminate drunk driving."

California ranked at the top among states in 2009 for total traffic fatalities at 3,081 according to statistics reported by NHTSA. Data showed that alcohol was involved in 36% of fatal California car crashes in 2009. There were 1,118 fatalities when at least one driver tested positive for BAC of .01 or higher. Statistics show that nationally, drivers in fatal accidents with BAC over the legal limit are 8 times more likely to have a prior conviction than drivers who had no alcohol in their system at the time of a crash.

"Now that we have actual prototypes, a tremendous feat in itself, we'll be working to identify the gaps in performance between these prototypes and the precise standards we've identified as true technology requirements," said Shane Karr, Vice President for Federal Government Affairs at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "This will point the way forward for the next phase of research."

The new DADSS technology is expected to be a 5-year project. The next phase in development is a practical demonstration of the alcohol detection technologies which will likely take place later this year.

"Whatever the future holds for these advanced drunk driving prevention technologies, one thing remains clear; no technology can, or should, ever replace a driver's personal responsibility not to drive drunk," said NHTSA Administrator Strickland.

Continue reading "Risk of Modesto Drunk Driving Accidents Could be Eliminated by Technology" »

Sports fans will be gathering for one of the most year's popular kinds of parties this weekend, Super Bowl XLV.

Even if you aren't a fan of football, Super Bowl parties are entertaining affairs, typically filled with fun, friends, good food and plenty of drink. Our Modesto personal injury attorneys encourage you to drink responsibly and to be a responsible party host.

Drunk driving crashes are a leading cause of car accidents in Modesto and elsewhere. Nationwide, someone is killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Appointing a designated driver can reduce the chances of you, a friend, or a loved one being involved in a serious or fatal injury.
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As part of a national campaign, the NFL, along with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the HERO campaign, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are promoting the slogan Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk. Offering to remain sober and to drive your friends home is a decision you won't regret.

Football is one of America's favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in serious danger if they don't plan ahead," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said. "Whether you're at the game or watching from a sports bar or a friend's house, designate a sober driver before the game. And remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk."

Over 30% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities were due to an alcohol-related crash in the U.S. in 2009. In 2009 fatal crashes, the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved was four times higher at night than during the day. California reported the most traffic fatalities for 2009 at 3,081 -- alcohol was involved in 1,118 (36%).

Hosting a Super Bowl party is the perfect way to control the environment for your friends and family. MADD offers the following suggestions to plan the perfect party:

-Refrain from offering mixed drinks. Mixers like club soda and tonic cause alcohol to be absorbed where fruit juices and sweet mixtures make guests want to drink more.

-As guests RSVP to your party, request the name of the designated driver so you know who is responsible for getting everyone home safely.

-Provide plenty of food and snacks, preferably with less salt. Salty food makes guests want to drink more.

-If some of your guests intend to drive but have had too much to drink, plan to step in and take control of the situation by offering them a ride home or a place to sleep for the night.

Continue reading "Super Bowl Weekend Increases risk of Car Accidents in Modesto, Stockton" »