One of our recent blog topics centered on risky behavior involving teenagers and underage DUIs. And in early May, the Pediatrics journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics published an article regarding a study focusing on DUI as a major cause of child fatalities.
According to that article, one out of every five child passenger deaths in the U.S. involves a driver impaired by alcohol. In the study, which covered a period of nearly ten years, 65% of the children who were killed were riding with an alcohol-impaired driver. Additionally, most of these children were not wearing seatbelts or any kind of restraints. Tbe study also reported those states with the highest fatality rates for children riding with impaired drivers; Arizona was not listed among the highest or the lowest states.
Parents, generally speaking, do everything in their power to protect their children, and take safeguards and precautions, such as seatbelts, seriously. People who choose to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs may not even pause to consider that they are risking their own safety, so it follows that protecting the safety of passengers, other drivers, and even pedestrians may not be top of mind either. But studies like this newly released report certainly “drive home” the terrible consequences that can result.
Educational and prevention initiatives are suggested in the study as some of the ways to prevent future child fatalities related to DUI. So are tougher penalties. Still, the responsibility centers on the person climbing behind the wheel. And whether the purpose is a car pool, school field trip, family get-together or dentist appointment, if there are children or teenagers in the vehicle, that great responsibility becomes even greater.
If you have questions about Arizona DUI laws, or know someone who needs help regarding a DUI-related legal situation, please call Zachary Law Group. Talk to one of our experienced attorneys about your concerns. We offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, and when we take on your legal case, we’ll do our best to “Zach-It”! Think about the safety of your family and loved ones. Give us a call soon, at 1-855-Zach-law.
