Drunk drivers are far more likely to be involved in auto accidents than sober motorists. There are many reasons for this, but it mainly has to do with a combination of impaired judgment, increased sense of invincibility, and decreased reaction times. Sadly, when these three elements are mixed, destruction inevitably results.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drunk driving accidents were to blame for nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the United States in 2014. Perhaps even more surprisingly, only 1.1 million motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics (DUI) in that same year, which is less than 1% of the 121 million self-reported instances of drunk driving that occurred throughout that year. Obviously, these numbers are sobering, but the fact remains that drinking and driving is a serious concern in this country. And as the death toll continues to mount, the concerns are justifiably escalating.

Unfortunately, drunk driving is as habitual as it is widespread. Roughly one-third of all individuals arrested for DUI are repeat offenders, which seems to indicate that first-time offenders are not being adequately punished for their actions, despite the fact that the CDC reports that ignition interlock devices prevent second drunk driving arrests by as much as 70%.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of drunk driving is the selfish manner in which these motorists conduct themselves. For most drunk drivers, the primary concern isn’t whether they could seriously harm or kill innocent people, but whether they will arrive at their destination without being pulled over. This attitude must change if we hope to abolish this threat from our society, and the Law Offices of George A. Malliaros are committed to helping mitigate and eliminate drunk driving at every turn.

Thankfully, one place that drunk drivers can be held accountable is in a courtroom.