Drunk Driving and Assault in Elk Grove
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove personal injury lawyer. A January 26 altercation between two motorists in Elk Grove resulted in the arrest of one driver who is suspected of driving drunk. According to a representative of the police department in Elk Grove, the man who was arrested appeared to be impaired and failed sobriety tests that were administered in the field.
What Happened
Aldrin Dulce, age 37 and a resident of Elk Grove, crashed with a second vehicle close to Laguna and Franklin Boulevards sometime after 9:00 in the evening. According to reports, Dulce got out of his vehicle and reached through the open window of the second vehicle and punched the vehicle’s driver. A police representative said that this act resulted in Dulce being charged with assault and battery in addition to drunk driving. No information was available on whether either of the drivers suffered any injuries as a result of the crash.
Drunk Driving Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 29 people die every day in accidents that involve a drunk driver. Although fatalities caused by drunk drivers have fallen by about 33 percent over the past 30 years, it still translates into the loss of over 10,000 persons per year. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that of the 827 traffic accident deaths and injuries that occurred in Elk Grove in 2015, 69 involved alcohol, and there were 306 arrests of drunk drivers made that year.
Prevention of Drunk Driving
There are steps that can be taken to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road and lower the risk of collisions. These include the following:
- If you are drinking, do not drive. Instead, phone a friend for a ride, call a cab or rideshare or take public transportation.
- If you are going out and will be drinking, plan in advance. In a group, having a designated driver is a good idea.
- Friends don’t let drunk friends drive. Take the car keys away, and help them get a safe ride home.
- Call law enforcement if you spot a drunk driver on the road. Report the location and make and model of the car with the license number if possible. This can not only save your own life, it can save others.
Hard Core Drunk Drivers and Aggression
Several studies have linked hardcore drunk drivers (HCDD) to other criminal behaviors such as assault and road rage. The profile for HCDD includes excessive drinking at an early age, repeated instances of drunk driving and a penchant for reckless driving. Most are male (90-95 percent), aged 25 to 40 (75 percent), have a history of employment instability and difficulty in maintaining relationships. Domestic violence is not uncommon. Male drunk drivers are most likely to leave their vehicle to confront another driver after an incident, according to Science Daily. The same set of drivers are involved in speeding and not stopping at a red light.
Elk Grove Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove personal injury lawyer. Being injured by a drunk driver or losing a loved one is something that no one should ever experience. If this has happened to you, please phone me at (916) 694-0002 for friendly advice that is free. You can also contact me at (800) 404-5400 or through my online contact form.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/drink-driving-drunk-alcohol-808801/
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