U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters reported that most states have seen a significant decline in the number of drunk driving-related fatalities this year from last.  Secretary Peters attributes the decline to increased enforcement of DUI stops and random checkpoints.  In 2007, an estimated 12,998 people were fatally injured in automobile accidents where the operator had a .08 or higher B.A.C. (blood alcohol level), compared with 13,491 in 2006.  

Despite a decline in drunk driving-related automobile crashes, Secretary Peters noted an increase in the number of fatalities when alcohol was involved in a motorcycle crash.  Over 25 states reported an increase in the number of drunk motorcycle riders involved in a fatal crash.  The ability to safely operate a motorcycle drastically decreases with just one drink.  This 2007 statistical report may be found at http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811016.PDF. 

When the operator of an automobile is intoxicated, he/she is considered negligence per se, meaning that due to that operator's violation of the law he/she is presumably negligent.  If you have been the victim of a crash involving a driver who was intoxicated, call St. Louis Automobile Accident Attorney Stephen Schultz for a free case consultation.  Our attorneys have no tolerance for those who choose to operate a car while intoxicated.  We have seen first hand the serious injury and death that can be caused by a drunk driver. Contact us toll-free at (866) 840-3636, locally at (314) 448-0934, or simply complete the online case evaluation form located at our informative Missouri personal injury victim website.