Now that August has arrived back-to-school preparations are in full swing. However, for the millions of students heading back to college or arriving for their freshman year the issue of drinking and the sometimes tragic consequences will undoubtedly greet them when they arrive on campus. As the school year kicks off parties with free flowing alcohol will not be hard for any student to find. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism each year approximately 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol related injuries, including car crashes. In addition to that, about 600,000 in that same age group are injured while under the influence of alcohol.
The level of drinking that happens on campuses inevitably leads to drunk driving, and the numbers of deaths and injuries related to alcohol given above do not account for other people who may become victims of drunk driving. The danger is not only limited to driving however. At many schools students walk to their destinations, but even walking while drunk has been shown to be dangerous. Studies have shown that just under half of the pedestrians killed who were in their early 20′s were drunk at the time they died. The combination of drunk drivers and drunk pedestrians on streets in and around campuses creates an extremely hazardous situation that is magnified by the fact that most drinking occurs after dark.
For these reasons it is important for parents to talk to their children about these dangers before they go back to school. While it may be an uncomfortable topic for both parent and child, having a discussion about responsible drinking can save a family from having to endure the tragedy of having their child injured or killed; or from having their child be responsible for the injury or death of another.
Although a drunk driver may face criminal charges for causing a wreck, victims can still use the legal system to recover for their injuries and losses caused by the drunk driver. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of the actions of a drunk driver, the attorneys at Ben Bronston & Associates stand ready to use their many years of experience to help you get the justice you deserve.
