Many drivers are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving. One of the organizations that knows this all too well is MADD. The organization was founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. There is a separate chapter all across the United States. The Virginia Chapter tries to teach drivers about drunk driving to prevent Virginia drunk driving accidents from happening.
MADD is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization working constantly to protect families from becoming victims of drunk driving. They now also have a focus on underage drinking. Drunk driving accidents don’t always happen when drivers of legal age get behind the wheel. Far too often the drivers and victims are underage teenagers carelessly getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
MADD of Virginia has put together some statistics from 2011 Virginia drunk driving accidents from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. They include:
- 20 teenagers, age 15-19, were killed in alcohol-related accidents. This is 2.62 percent of the 764 total traffic fatalities from 2011.
- 522 teenagers, age 15-19, were injured in alcohol-related crashes.
- 245 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents. A 10.58 percent decrease from the previous year of 2010.
- 5,465 people suffered injuries in alcohol-related crashes.
The impact that a Culpeper drunk driving accident can have on a family or families can become overwhelming. Sadly, far too often people don’t think about their actions during the heat of the moment and make careless choices that many have to suffer from later.
The mothers at MADD offer support to drunk driving victims and survivors at no charge. You can contact them at 877-MADD-HELP.
Drunk driving accidents can get very stressful and nerve-wracking. If you find yourself overwhelmed with questions or concerns, we are here to help. Attorneys at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas has a vast knowledge in this area and we would love to help. Contact our office today at (540) 825-6046.
