Understanding Cultural Factors Behind Drunk Driving Crashes in Louisiana
Drunk driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle collisions, and both catastrophic and fatal injuries, across the country. In Louisiana specifically, drunk driving is incredibly common and dangerous, with approximately 31% of deadly wrecks involving alcohol consumption according to the LA Highway Safety Commission. Additionally, a report from the Louisiana Transportation Research Center at LSU emphasizes that there are many cultural factors that play a specific role in drunk driving collisions in our state, and understanding these cultural factors may help drivers take preventative measures in the future. Our Shreveport personal injury lawyers break down the details of this study and whether these specific preventative measures can potentially curb drunk driving crashes across Louisiana.
If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries or wrongful death in a drunk driving accident, then you may have grounds to take legal action. With over 40 years of combined experience, the Shreveport drunk driving accident lawyers at Rice & Kendig can help you make a full physical, emotional and financial recovery. Call 318-222-2772 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team today.
High Rates of Alcohol Consumption in Louisiana
It makes sense logically that, in places where alcohol is consumed at higher rates, there would be higher rates of drunk driving crashes. The LSU study suggests that this is one of the major issues when it comes to the cultural factors at work in Louisiana’s rate of DUI crashes and injuries.
As the authors of the study explain, “historically, Louisiana youth alcohol use rates have been above national rates,” and current data suggests that more than one-third of all high school students in Louisiana admit to having “at least one drink of alcohol” in the last 30-day period. About 34 percent of Louisiana high school students self-report alcohol consumption, compared with only 29 percent nationally. Similarly, Louisiana college students report a much higher rate of alcohol consumption. About 61 percent report drinking regularly in the last month. Even among adults, “more alcohol is sold in Louisiana than throughout the nation.”
The study suggests that there are more drunk driving crashes in Louisiana involving young drivers, as well as older motorists. Accordingly, reducing the sociocultural reliance on alcohol consumption in the state could, the LSU researchers suggest, reduce the rate of drunk driving collisions. The reduction in drunk driving collision rates could be particularly notable, the study implies, for young motorists including high school and college students who are also less experienced behind the wheel and tend to engage in other concurrent risky driving behaviors like speeding or distracted driving.
Contact Our Shreveport Drunk Driving Injury Attorneys Today
Until alcohol-impaired drivers stop causing crashes entirely, it is important to know that you can take steps to hold those drivers accountable when their negligent driving causes harm. If you or a family member sustained serious injuries in a collision involving a drunk driver, it is essential to seek legal help. In addition to seeking compensation through an insurance claim, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver or another party who served the alcohol, especially if the driver was a minor. Call 318-222-2772 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options with the experienced Shreveport car accident lawyers at Rice & Kendig today.
Sources:
ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2021/FR_655.pdf
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/impaired-driving/.
