Report shows a drop in West Virginia DUI arrests between 2008 and 2010
A study by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources shows that the number of DUI arrests has steadily declined between 2008 and 2010.
According to a report in The Register-Herald in Beckley, statewide, 6,886 DUI arrests were made in 2008; 6,622 in 2009; and 6,154 in 2010.
The decline in drunk driving arrests certainly is a positive and welcomed trend. As car accident lawyers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio, we have seen how the negligence of drunk drivers can cause heartache on the highways. In a flash, an intoxicated driver can destroy a life and devastate the family members of the accident victim.
It’s important to know your rights if you or a loved one was injured in a driving under the influence accident. Contact Recht Law Offices for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys fight hard to get the compensation clients need for their losses.
While it’s heartening to hear about any decline in DUI arrests, it’s alarming to find out that two counties experienced significant increase in arrests for drunk driving between 2008 and 2010: Raleigh and Greenbrier counties. The Register-Herald reports that Raleigh County had 240 DUI arrests in 2008, 255 in 2009 and 276 in 2010. The numbers for Greenbrier County: 156 arrests in 2008, 190 in 2009, and 229 in 2010.
The disturbing upswing in arrests may not necessarily mean more drunk drivers are on the road. There may be stricter enforcement of DUI laws in those counties. One thing’s for sure: Intoxicated people are continuing to drive when they should hand the keys to a sober driver or call a cab. Despite public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving, this type of negligent behavior continues to put other motorists and pedestrians at risk of serious injury or death.
While the study focused on West Virginia, driving under the influence accidents can happen anywhere. A drunk driver causes a death on the road twice every hour in the United States. Victims who have been seriously injured may be entitled to recover for lost income, medical bills, emotional trauma, the costs associated with the repair of their damaged vehicles, and more. In some cases, a wrongful death lawsuit may be necessary.
Representing clients in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, Recht Law Offices can put experience and resources to work for the injured and their families. Call 1-800-HURTLINE today for a free case review or visit www.rechtlaw.com. Let an experienced personal injury lawyer protect your rights.
Recht Law Offices
3405 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062-4505
