During recent patrols and roadblocks, a significant number of drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. Hawaii Island police reported that 25 motorists were taken into custody between Sept. 18 and Sept. 24, four of which were involved in auto accidents. Furthermore, three of the arrested drivers were younger than 21 years old.
Authorities have reason to be concerned because the number of DUI arrests so far this year is more than 7 percent higher than at the same time last year, with actual figures going up from 793 arrests to 849. When major accidents are considered, there is a significant decrease when the numbers of the two years are compared, with this year’s 93 crashes against 1,020 of the same period in 2016. However, the same cannot be said for DUI related fatalities — 26 to date this year, compared to 18 last year.
Statistics indicate that there were 33.3 percent more fatal crashes so far this year, resulting in 23.8 percent more deaths than last year this time. This means that the families of 26 families have had to cope with losing loved ones in car accidents in the first nine months of 2017. It also means that all these families had to cope with the unanticipated costs of end-of-life arrangements at a time when they were grieving their lost loved ones.
Fortunately, help is available. If loved ones die in auto accidents that are caused by the negligence of other parties, the surviving family members may seek recovery of damages. Regardless of whether impairment was involved, as long as negligence can be established, there will be a viable claim. An experienced Hawaii personal injury attorney can navigate such a lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiffs and work to recover financial and emotional damages.
Source: westhawaiitoday.com, “25 arrested for DUI”, Sept. 26, 2017
