Collisions in Nova Scotia cause on average 80 deaths and 636 hospitalizations per year, and youth ages 15-24 are the age group with the highest frequency. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a major safety concern in Canada. Driving while under the influence causes debilitating accidents that can result in serious trauma and injuries. Learn the facts about driving under the influence and, if you ever suffer a car accident in Nova Scotia, contact McKiggan Hebert Lawyers right away.

Three Out Of Every Four Car Accidents In Canada Involves Alcohol

Driving while intoxicated is incredibly dangerous not just to the intoxicated driver, but to those around them as well. Three out of every four car accidents in Canada involve alcohol, yet this is an entirely preventable cause. Due to the high prevalence of car accidents caused by alcohol, it’s important to always have a designated driver when you’re out drinking. Removing driving from the equation entirely is the smartest way to drink alcohol – take a taxi, call a friend, or use public transportation whenever it’s possible.

Young People Are At A Higher Risk Of Getting Into Car Accidents

According to Nova Scotia’s Drive Safe program, young adults are at a higher risk of getting into a car accident for two main reasons. One of these reasons is easy to understand – young people simply have less experience driving behind the wheel.

However, young people also are more likely to exhibit high risk behavior behind the wheel. As an example, according to research performed by the Nova Scotia Road Safety Survey, young adult males are the one demographic group who were reported to least likely wear a seatbelt. High risk behavior involves driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Driving With A Blood Alcohol Content Below The Legal Limit Is still Dangerous

Even if your blood alcohol concentration is low, driving is still dangerous as your motor skills will still be impaired. In Canada, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent. This means, if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or higher, you will be arrested for driving under the influence. Studies show, however, that driving with a blood alcohol concentration of even 0.05 percent will negatively impact your driving, as it causes poor judgment and impaired coordination. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in any capacity will make it difficult for a driver to control their speed, react to other drivers, or otherwise have full control over the direction of the vehicle.

Thousands Of Canadians Are Arrested For Driving Under The Influence Every Year

According to statistics provided by Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada, there were 86,964 total charges for driving under the influence in 2019. Studies have shown that the rate of driving under the influence arrests has steadily increased in the last few years. This gradual increase is likely due to the mandatory alcohol screening law that became effective in 2018, which gave law enforcement officers the authority to demand a breathalyzer from every driver who was lawfully pulled over in a traffic stop.

You May Be Entitled To Compensation If You Have Been Hit By A Drunk Driver In Halifax

As a car accident victim, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you have been hit by a drunk driver, it’s possible that you could have sustained serious injuries, and your car is likely destroyed from the impact.

No two car crashes are the same, and the value of a car accident claim can vary on a case-by-case basis. But those who have suffered drunk driving accidents in Halifax could be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and even the pain and suffering following the accident. The only way to get a settlement for your car accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer and file a car accident claim. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can fight back against the drunk driver who hit you and get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Schedule A Free Consultation With McKiggan Hebert Lawyers Today If You’ve Been Hit By A Drunk Driver In Halifax

The skilled auto accident attorneys at McKiggan Hebert Lawyers are available to help anyone who’s been involved with a drunk driving accident in Halifax. If you or a loved one have been hit by a drunk driver, or were involved with any other kind of car accident, schedule a free consultation with our lawyers today. With our help, you can defend yourself against the at-fault party and win the compensation you need to get your life back on track.