Should New Cars Come With Technology To Prevent Drunk Driving Crashes?

Monitoring systems could keep drunk drivers off our Las Vegas roadways.

Car manufacturers have created technology that prevents drunk drivers from driving, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), which supports a proposal to have all vehicles equipped with such drunk driving prevention technology.

"This is an exciting announcement by the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and a true show of leadership by NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy to move the nation closer to zero traffic deaths," Jake Nelson, AAA's director of traffic safety and advocacy, said in a recent announcement. "AAA supports using technology to make the 'car the cure' for impaired driving."

Any technology that prevents people from driving drunk and causing serious car accidents should be strongly considered. At Lasso Injury Law, we've seen first-hand just how devastating drunk driving collisions can be for injury victims and their families. That's why accountability through the civil justice system is so important.

If you or someone you love was hit by a drunk driver in Las Vegas, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today to see how an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you.

How does drunk driving prevention technology work?

According to AAA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports a proposal to require all new vehicles sold in the United States to be equipped with alcohol monitoring devices that prevent people from driving drunk.

Such devices include "passive vehicle-integrated alcohol impairment detection systems, advanced driver monitoring systems, or a combination of the two that would be capable of preventing or limiting vehicle operation if it detects driver impairment by alcohol," AAA reports, adding, "The NTSB recommends that the NHTSA require all new vehicles to be equipped with such systems."

Most passive vehicle-integrated alcohol impairment detection systems work by measuring the amount of alcohol in the air in front of the driver's face. As a result, the driver does not have to use a breathalyzer or a similar device. Instead, such advanced technological features constantly monitor alcohol levels in the vehicle.

How common are drunk driving accidents in Nevada?

Despite decades of warnings about the dangers of drunk driving, some drivers still get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. According to NHTSA statistics and crash data from Nevada over the last 5 years, about 90 people die each year in crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol.

What to do after a drunk driver hits you

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by an intoxicated driver, it's critical that you take certain steps right away to protect your health and your rights. Such steps often include the following:

• Call 911 and tell them a drunk driver hit you. Drunk driving accidents are serious criminal offenses.
• Wait in your vehicle for the police to arrive. Drunk drivers can be dangerous and unpredictable.
• Once the police arrive, take photos of your accident if it's safe to do so. The more pictures you have of your collision, the better.
• If someone saw your accident, get their full name and phone number. That way, investigators can interview any eyewitnesses who saw your collision.
• See a doctor right away. If you suspect you have a serious or life-threatening injury, go to the nearest emergency room hospital. Your health should be your priority.
• Call a lawyer as soon as possible.

Hit by a drunk driver? See how a Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help.

Don't simply assume you will be fairly compensated just because a drunk driver hit you. A lot of seemingly straightforward claims quickly turn into complicated legal cases. And if you don't act fast, you might not get the money you rightfully deserve for your injury-related expenses.

At Lasso Injury Law, we know the law and understand how Nevada's civil justice system works. And we have the case results to prove it. In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.

Learn more about your legal rights. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney you can count on in a crisis. Make an appointment at our Las Vegas office on West Park Run Drive.