A recent study found Tulsa, Oklahoma was the fourth-deadliest city when it comes to drunk driving collisions.
The likelihood of a dangerous motor vehicle accident taking place increases whenever a motorist gets behind the wheel after consuming intoxicating amounts of alcohol. Sadly, the consequences of such a decision are often the most serious for other drivers on the road.
According to a recent study conducted by NerdWallet, Tulsa, Oklahoma is the fourth deadliest city in the country when it comes to drunk driving accidents. The researchers found that 74 people died in drunk driving collisions in Tulsa during the period from 2010 to 2012.
In comparison, the same number of drunk driving fatalities took place in Oklahoma City during that period, although Tulsa has about 200,000 fewer residents.
Oklahoma police will focus on drunk driving over Labor Day weekend
In an attempt to reduce the number of fatal drunk driving crashes in Oklahoma, law enforcement officers will make special efforts to combat drunk driving over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The drunk driving focus is part of the national awareness campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
The campaign officially started on August 15th this year and will continue through the holiday weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 750 people were killed in drunk driving crashes over Labor Day weekend during the last five years in the United States.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, three people died in drunk driving collisions in Oklahoma over Labor Day weekend in 2013. In addition, 43 people suffered injuries in such crashes during the holiday weekend last year.
Seek legal counsel following a drunk driving crash in Oklahoma
Across Oklahoma, drunk driving collisions are a serious concern. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 205 people died in drunk driving accidents in Oklahoma in 2012. In all, those deaths accounted for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state that year.
In the United States, an individual is killed in a drunk driving crash once every 48 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In all, about 10,230 people died in drunk driving crashes in 2010. Drunk drivers were responsible for about 31 percent of the traffic fatalities in the United States in 2010.
Drunk drivers must be held accountable for the injuries and property damage caused by motor vehicle collisions. After a drunk driving crash, consider talking to a skilled personal injury attorney, who will work with you and your loved ones to ensure you receive the compensation to which you may be entitled.