Wrongful Death of Three Caused by Drunk Driver in Salem

Law enforcement officials and emergency personnel responded to a fatal car crash at the intersection of Salem Parkway at Cherry Avenue. A suspected drunk driver ran a red light causing the collision. Police say all three passengers in the vehicle hit by the drunk driver were killed by the accident. The drunk driver was arrested on several charges including three counts of first-degree manslaughter and DUII. Police say he was nearly three times the legal blood-alcohol limit at the time of his arrest. This wrongful death of three caused by a drunk driver should have been preventable. According to MADD, drunk driving is still the number one cause of death on roadways. If you think a drunk driver doesn’t impact you, think again. Two out of three people will be impacted by a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.  The following are ways to avoid drunk driving to prevent future wrongful deaths.

Ways to Avoid Drunk Driving

There are 10,876 deaths a year from a drunk driving accident. That is 30 deaths every day and one death every 48 minutes. These statistics are from madd.org. In addition, 290,000 injuries are reported each year by a drunk driver. Each of these accidents or deaths are 100 percent preventable. Here are some ways to avoid drunk driving and save someone from injury or even their life.

1. Download and Use Uber

Uber is a great tool when you need a ride. Set up and Uber account on your phone before participating at a party or bar where you plan on drinking. It is also a good idea to provide your credit card information within the app so you can request a ride easily.

2. Purchase Alcohol Only While Sober

If you have already started drinking but decide you didn’t buy enough alcohol, avoid the temptation to get in your car to drive to the liquor store. Buy your alcohol during the day while completely sober.

3. Have a Designated Driver

Appoint someone trustworthy in your group to be the designated driver (DD). As the DD, this person has competed to the group to stay sober and drive everyone home. If no one steps up to be the DD, be responsible and do it yourself. It is much better to miss out on a night of drinking than to be seriously injured or die.

4. Use Public Transportation

If you don’t like using Uber, consider public transportation such as a city bus or train or a taxi. This will get you home safely. It is also a good idea to use the buddy system to stay safe in the process of getting home.

5. Call Someone You Trust

If you get in a situation where the designated driver has become intoxicated, call a trusted friend or family member to come pick you up.

6. Keep Your Phone Charged

It is always a good idea to keep your phone charged and with you while drinking. You don’t want to get separated from your DD or group with no one to contact.

7. Remove the Keys

It is best for everyone drinking to give their car keys to a trusted individual who will hide them away in a cabinet or closet. This way, no one, will be tempted to drive drunk or have access to a vehicle. The only person who should need car keys is the designated driver.

8. Stay Where You Are

If it is safe to do so, it may be a good idea to stay put while intoxicated. Stay the night where you are to avoid drunk driving. If you are at a friend’s house for a party, try sleeping there for the night. Or if you are at a bar, trying walking with a group of friends to a nearby motel for the night.

Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney Now

Contact a wrongful death attorney to find out if you are entitled under the statute to bring a claim and, if so, what types of damages you are entitled to recover.  We are aggressive, experienced, and trusted. We will fight to ensure you get a fair settlement.