Washington DC Lawyer Applauds Annual Decline in Alcohol-Related Deaths in D.C.

But drunk drivers still pose a significant hazard, particularly during holidays, says attorney Michael A. Abelson.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) December 16, 2009 -- A decline in the number of alcohol-related accidents shows tougher traffic safety laws are having a positive effect, but drunk drivers remain a serious threat to all motorists, said Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney Michael A. Abelson.

Michael A. Abelson

“Fewer deaths is good news, but nine people still lost their lives last year in accidents that may have been entirely preventable if alcohol wasn’t involved,” said Abelson, of The Abelson Law Firm in Washington, D.C. “Those families will have to get through the holidays without their loved ones. The upcoming holidays present lots of celebrations and opportunities to drink. If you choose to drink, drink in moderation -- and don’t drive.”

The upcoming holidays present lots of celebrations and opportunities to drink. If you choose to drink, drink in moderation -- and don’t drive.

Nine people died in alcohol-related traffic accidents in the District of Columbia in 2008, according to a new report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That represents a 43 percent decrease from 16 deaths in 2007.

Abelson said it is encouraging news that the District of Columbia’s rate of alcohol-related traffic fatalities is among the lowest in the nation. The District’s rate of .25 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was lower than all but five states in the U.S., the new report showed.

The District of Columbia and all 50 states have passed tougher laws on driving while impaired, making it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher.

In neighboring states that are part of the Washington Metro area, the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities also declined. In Maryland, the number of traffic deaths linked to drunk driving dropped from 178 in 2007 to 152 in 2008, a 12.5 percent decline. Meanwhile, in Virginia, fatal DUI accidents dropped from 303 to 294, a 2.7 percent decrease.

“Drive sober, or don’t get behind the wheel,” Abelson said. “If you choose to have alcohol at a holiday gathering, have a designated driver or call a cab. Enjoy a safe holiday with your friends and family. ”

About the Abelson Law Firm:

The Abelson Law Firm helps people injured by car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice and other acts of negligence within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The Abelson Law Fire has received numerous professional honors, including the highest “AV” rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers.

Senior attorney Michael A. Abelson has received the Lawyer of the Year Award from the Trial Lawyers Association of Washington, D.C. and a listing in “The Cream of the Legal Establishment” by Washingtonian magazine. Mr. Abelson has more than 30 years of legal experience and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a sustaining member of the American Association for Justice. To contact the firm for help with a personal injury or car accident claim, call (888) 797-4242 or use the firm's online contact form.

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[Via Legal / Law]

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