Drunk driving in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania residents should remain aware of the ever-present risks posed by people who drink and drive.
Driving a vehicle is a standard thing in our society and virtually assumed a right by most people. However, Lawrence County residents should always remember that driving is actually a privilege that comes with big responsibilities. These responsibilities include the commitment to safe behaviors and defensive driving that attempts to avoid collisions. It only takes a moment for a person to become seriously injured or even killed in a car accident.
When an accident is caused by another driver’s negligence, victims can be unsure of where to turn. Their losses can feel increased knowing that the crash should never have happened. This is perhaps no more true than when a drunk driver causes the wreck. Compared to many other counties in Pennsylvania, Lawrence County may not experience as many drunk driving deaths but our New Castle car accident lawyers know that these types of accidents are still a risk that every resident faces.
A look at drunk driving data in Pennsylvania
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records show that 1,208 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania in 2013. Of those, 368 died in drunk driving accidents. In Lawrence County, a total of seven vehicular fatalities occurred and two of those were attributed to drunk drivers.
Other notable statistics include:
- In Philadelphia County, 24 people died in drunk driving crashes.
- In Allegheny County, 23 people died in drunk driving crashes.
- In Lancaster County, 18 people died in drunk driving crashes.
- In Westmoreland County, 17 people died in drunk driving crashes.
Nine other counties reported 10 or more deaths in accidents involving alcohol that year.
Media stories show the facts
The news corroborates the statistics and shows that drunk drivers create serious dangers every day. Some recent stories include that of a 24-year old man with three prior DUI convictions on his record arrested yet again after hitting a semi-truck head-on. The New Castle News report indicated that he was on probation for one drunk driving arrest and was operating the vehicle with a suspended license when arrested this most recent time. His three-year old son was also in the vehicle at the time.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provided information on the death of a woman after being hit by a drunk driver. Her husband was in the vehicle and also injured in the crash. The drunk driver faces third degree murder charges for his actions.
Two children were in a vehicle being operated by a suspected drunk driver on her way to work at a motor inn according to PennLive.com. The woman was arrested and reportedly lashed out verbally at officers during the incident.
According to BradfordEra.com, one person died and another was injured when a vehicle driven by a drunk driver went off road, in the air and landed upside down. The 22-year old driver was reportedly driving at a speed of more than 105 miles per hour.
What can be done?
When drunk driving accidents cannot be avoided, help from our team of Pittsburgh drunk driving accident attorneys is needed. Victims should always contact a personal injury attorney in New Castle promptly to seek appropriate compensation.