If you thought drinking and driving was dangerous, consider this: More than a third of pedestrians killed in 2011 had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit for driving, according to government data released this week.

Thirty-five percent of those killed, or 1,547 pedestrians, had blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the legal limit for driving, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Half of the fatally injured pedestrians ages 25-34 were alcohol-impaired. Of those who were in their early 20s or in their mid-30s to mid-50s, just under half were impaired. Smaller portions of older and younger pedestrians involved in fatal accidents were impaired. Less than a third of the pedestrians 55 or older and those younger than 20 had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit.

By comparison, 13 percent of drivers involved in crashes in which pedestrians were killed had blood alcohol concentrations that exceeded the legal limit. Overall, about a third of traffic fatalities in 2011 — 31 percent, or 9,878 deaths — were attributable to crashes involving drivers with BAC of .08 or higher.

The data come on the heels of an NHTSA campaign to reduce pedestrian deaths. There were 4,432 pedestrian fatalities in 2011, up 3 percent from the previous year.

Anti-drunk driving campaigns have been encouraging more people to walk home after a night of drinking. But walking after drinking, these statistics show, poses obvious danger.

Who is at Fault?

Getting hit by a car is a traumatic experience. A pedestrian injured by a negligent driver may have legal options to receive compensation for medical bills and other expenses. It’s important to obtain counsel to help determine your options.

If you have been injured in an accident, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys at the Joye Law Firm may be able to help. Call (888) 324-3100 or use our online contact form for answers to your questions about legal proceedings.

Source:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation Press Release
About the Author

Mark Joye is the Head of the Litigation Department at the Joye Law Firm. A Board-Certified Trial Advocate with nearly 30 years of litigation experience, he currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice and is a past president of the South Carolina Association for Justice. In a recent trial, Joye headed a trial team that secured $17 million for a family killed in a tractor-trailer accident.

Recent Blog Post
What Can I Do if I Had an Accident in a Rental Car Because of a Failed Tire in Columbia, SC?

In bustling cities like Columbia, SC, with its rich history and burgeoning economy, rental cars are a common choice for tourists and business travelers. While these vehicles offer convenience and flexibility, they come with unique challenges when accidents occur. Rental…

Are Pedestrians at Fault if Hit By a Car While Jaywalking in Columbia, SC?

Jaywalking is a practice that blurs the lines between pedestrian freedom and road safety. In a college city like Columbia, South Carolina, it’s common to see pedestrians dashing across roads outside designated crosswalks. Jaywalking, while seemingly harmless, can have severe…

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Was in a Car Accident on a University Campus in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, South Carolina is a bustling education hub, with institutions like the University of South Carolina and Columbia College shaping the city’s vibrant culture. Amidst the energetic flow of students and visitors, the potential for car accidents on these campuses…

How Common Are Traumatic Brain Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash in Myrtle Beach?

Motorcycle riding offers an exhilarating sense of freedom. However, it also involves inherent risks, particularly in popular tourist spots like Myrtle Beach. A significant concern for riders is the high potential for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) during crashes, especially given…

Awards & Recognition
Media
CBS News
Fox
NBC
ABC