Drunk driving is a problem everywhere, not just in Florida. However, this is our home, so those are the stats we will focus on. According to the FLHSMV, there were 5,111 alcohol confirmed crashes across The Sunshine State in 2021. 369 of those incidents were fatal and responsible for 407 fatalities. Meanwhile, the events were also accountable for 421 incapacitating injuries and 2,575 other injuries.
As you can see from these stats, drunk driving is a problem in Florida, but it doesn’t have to be. Floridians can work together to find adequate solutions that keep situations at bay. The following are some ideas to help with just that.
Increase Public Awareness
Drinking and driving is never worth the risk. When you decide to get behind the wheel intoxicated, your judgment and abilities often go right out the window. One moment you might be speeding. Then, the next thing the person behind you knows, you’re riding the brakes. Plus, the car is weaving between the lines. Floridians that wish to nip drunk driving in the bud in their area should reach out to local officials and talk to them about starting public awareness campaigns.
These movements will keep the dangers of drinking and driving fresh on everyone’s mind. Then, they’ll be less inclined to partake in the activity because they’ll want to keep themselves and others safely out of harm’s way. Plus, with the info in their heads, people will look out for others at bars, parties, etc., and take their keys if need be.
Ask For Stiffer Drunk Driving Penalties
Sometimes, people view the consequences of drunk driving as nothing more than slaps on wrists. They feel that these lax penalties do not do enough to deter drinking and driving. So, if you want to create change, reach out to officials in your area to find out how to get everything going. You may have to obtain signatures on a petition, file documents, or take other steps to get the stiffer drunk driving penalties you seek. Regardless of what you have to do, it will all be worth it in the end if it invokes change and cuts down on drunk driving accidents.
Ensure Transportation Options Are Available
In some places, people don’t have access to Uber or Lyft drivers. There aren’t buses, trains, trolleys, or other types of public transportation available in various locations, either. Hence, individuals in these areas may be more inclined to drink and drive because they won’t want to walk to get from place to place, nor will they wish to bother their friends, getting them to be designated drivers. Therefore, if the primary objective is to decrease drunk driving accidents, why not talk to local officials about getting more transportation options where you live.
Some Final Thoughts
Have you been injured in an accident because of a drunk driver’s negligence in Florida? That might provide you with the grounds to seek compensation for your damages.
