The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called for the installation of passive alcohol detection systems in all new vehicles. It has been argued that these advanced driver monitoring systems could prevent tens of thousands of traffic fatalities.
This recommendation follows a New Year’s Day crash in California in 2021 that took the lives of nine people, including seven children. An investigation found that this crash was caused by an alcohol-impaired driver. NTSB Chair, Jennifer Homendy, has said that “technology could’ve prevented this heartbreaking crash.”
The NTSB is working to prevent speed-related crashes and impaired driving in the United States. Unfortunately, impaired driving is common and it does take lives. If you or your loved ones have been injured by alcohol-impaired drivers, The Law Place can help you achieve the justice you deserve.
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What Measures Are the National Transportation Safety Board Recommending?
The NTSB has recommended measures that would prohibit impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. These measures include:
- The requirement of in-vehicle alcohol detection systems, advanced driver monitoring systems, or a combination of them both. It is believed a detection system would be capable of preventing or limiting vehicle operation if it detects driver impairment. The NTSB has called for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to make it a requirement that all new vehicles are fitted with these systems.
- Encouraging vehicle manufacturers and consumers to equip their vehicles with intelligent speed adaptation systems. This is reiterating a measure previously recommended to the NHTSA by the NTSB.
Are Alcohol-Impaired Crashes Fatal?
One of the leading causes of injury-involved highway crashes is driving under the influence (DUI). Thousands of people are killed every year because of drunk driving. It is thought that in 2020, an estimated 11,654 fatalities occurred in the United States caused by alcohol-impaired crashes. This is a staggering figure that is on the rise.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident caused by DUI, you may be able to receive compensation. You should not have to suffer because of someone else’s wrongful actions.
On the other hand, if you think you have wrongfully been charged with DUI, an experienced lawyer at our firm can look over your case. If a breathalyzer test is administered incorrectly by law enforcement, it can skew the results of the test. A lawyer at our firm will be able to examine whether the test was administered by a trained professional and whether the device used was calibrated correctly. We will do all we can to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.
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Are Speeding-Related Crashes Fatal?
Crashes caused by speeding can be fatal and research suggests that this is an issue that is worsening in the United States. Speeding is dangerous because it increases the chance of a vehicle crashing and the severity of the injuries suffered. It is common for drivers over the blood alcohol concentration limit to speed because they stop thinking rationally.
These crashes can be very serious and have life-changing consequences. If you have lost a loved one or have been injured in a crash caused by another driver speeding, you may be entitled to compensation. You should get in contact with our law firm today to seek advice from a reputable personal injury lawyer.
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Additional Safety Recommendations Made by the NTSB
Speeding and impaired driving are some of the biggest concerns for NTSB and are where improvements are most required. In addition to alcohol detection systems, the NTSB has previously called for additional safety measures to limit speeding and impaired driving. These include:
- The lowering of the blood alcohol concentration limit to .05 g/dL or lower. The current limit is .08 g/dL. This recommendation to lower the limit could help reduce the number of drivers willing to get behind the wheel after having an alcoholic beverage. More traffic convictions could be handed out if this recommendation is made law.
- The installation of alcohol ignition interlock devices for all drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence. The current law in Florida only requires certain persons to fit these devices. This recommendation would make it mandatory for all DUI offenders. These devices work by preventing a car from starting if a driver has been drinking.
- A comprehensive strategy to help eliminate these crashes. The NTSB has recommended the combination of traditional methods, such as enforcement and regulation, with new technology, such as intelligent speed adaptation technology and speed limiters.
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Contact The Law Place Today
You may be eligible for compensation if you have been injured in an accident caused by driver impairment. Although it is hoped that alcohol impairment detection systems could prevent these crashes in the future, it doesn’t change the fact that you have suffered already.
At The Law Place, we have over 75 years of combined experience. Our team have helped countless clients receive compensation for their personal injury cases. We are also experienced criminal defense lawyers. No matter the reason, if you are in need of legal help and/ or advice, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
If you have suffered an injury or have lost a loved one in a traffic accident, call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced member of our team. Phone us now at 941-444-4444.
