At one time, drunk driving was almost socially acceptable. Eventually, years of public awareness campaigns and increased penalties for intoxicated driving raised public awareness about the dangers. However, serious accidents happen on Minnesota roads because drunken drivers get behind the wheel. National accident statistics suggest incidents of fatal drunk driving accidents are increasing.
A rise in drunk driving collisions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a report that revealed 13,386 deaths in 2021 derived from drunk driving incidents. The figure represents 31% of all road deaths, and alcohol-related traffic fatalities have been the highest since 2005. The figure also represents a 14.8% increase from 2020.
When a driver takes to the road while intoxicated, the person could suffer severely limited cognition and reaction times. The driver may commit moving violations or outright pass out at the wheel, leading to collisions. As statistics show, the crashes could result in lost lives, leading to civil lawsuits and criminal charges.
Criminal complaints and DUIs
Drivers who cause fatal accidents may face manslaughter or other felony charges. A criminal defense strategy might need to address numerous felonies. Still, even someone charged with multiple DUI-related felonies might prove their innocence in court. Evidence could reveal the accident was unavoidable and the defendant was not at fault for anyone’s death. Remember, a conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Evidence may strongly indicate a potential conviction in some cases of drunk driving. Drivers facing unavoidable prison time may want to consider a plea bargain as it could result in reduced charges and sentencing compared to what may occur after a trial.