Impaired Driving: A Persistent Threat on Michigan Roads
As a personal injury law firm deeply concerned about the impact of impaired driving in Michigan, we at Sinas Dramis Law Firm are compelled to address the alarming statistics recently reported by MLive. According to the annual drunk driving audit completed by Michigan State Police in 2023, in 2022, the state witnessed an unsettling trend: about 40% of fatal vehicle crashes involved alcohol and/or drug impairment. This troubling figure translates to 454 lives lost and over 6,000 injuries in just one year, highlighting the dire consequences of impaired driving. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent real people whose lives have been irrevocably changed.
The data, derived from the drunk driving audit, reveals a disturbing reality across the state. Particularly, Keweenaw County in the western Upper Peninsula reported the highest percentage of its vehicle crashes involving driver impairment, a striking 10.6% of their total accidents. This rate, though specific to one county, reflects a broader issue prevalent across Michigan’s 83 counties. The state’s laws are clear: driving with a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or greater if over age 21, or 0.02 or greater if under the legal drinking age, is a crime. The penalties for drunk driving can include jail time, fines, community service, and license suspension, with more severe consequences for repeat offenses or cases resulting in injury or death.
→ View the full 2022 Michigan Annual Drunk Driving Audit
Advocates for the Injured
As legal advocates for more than 70 years in Michigan, our firm understands the profound impact these accidents have on victims and their families. The legal complexities following an impaired driving accident can be overwhelming. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and enduring emotional trauma, while navigating a legal system that can seem daunting and unforgiving. At Sinas Dramis Law Firm, our commitment is to provide compassionate and comprehensive legal support to those affected. We believe in the importance of not only seeking justice and fair compensation for our clients but also advocating for greater awareness and stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws. Education and prevention are key to reducing these tragic incidents. Michigan law is clear in its stance against impaired driving. Our firm is dedicated to guiding clients through this complex legal landscape, ensuring they are fully informed and competently represented in the event they’re impacted by someone driving while impaired.
For those affected by a drunk driving accident, remember, you are not alone. The path to recovery and justice may be challenging, but with the right legal support, you can navigate it successfully. At Sinas Dramis Law Firm, we are here to stand with you, every step of the way.
For more information on legal options and support for victims of drunk driving accidents, visit our detailed article here.
If you or your loved one were injured in a crash by an impaired driver and you have questions about your options, Sinas Dramis Law Firm provides free case consultation. Under our contingency fee agreements, you don’t pay us anything unless we win or settle your case. Whether you need a Grand Rapids auto accident attorney, a car accident lawyer in Lansing, or anywhere around the state, we have a team that can speak with you today.