A San Jose man and his passenger were riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle down Watsonville Road when a Dodge Durango struck the motorcycle. Both riders were ejected from the bike as the Durango attempted to flee the scene. Authorities would later catch the Durango driver at Watsonville Road and Highway 152—where the vehicle was disabled. However, the owner of the Harley did not survive the collision. Police arrested the Durango driver on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit and run.
Each year, there are numerous drunk driving deaths in Santa Clara County and the surrounding areas. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the rate of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in California increased by 4.6 percent in 2015. That rate increased again in 2016 to 29.3 percent. The OTS has teamed up with the California Highway Patrol, Department of Motor Vehicles, Caltrans and several other agencies to fight this problem. If you see someone driving erratically, and suspect they are intoxicated, you can report them by pulling over safely and calling 911.
The Drunk Driving Safety Programs You Didn’t Know About
People who volunteer to be designated drivers could find special non-alcoholic perks at local businesses. These rewards are thanks to the Designated Driver Very Important Person Program (DDVIP), a partnership between businesses and safety officials.
Contact Our Bay Area Personal Injury Law Firm
California safety officials are in a tireless struggle to keep you safe from drunk driving, but sometimes their measures aren’t enough. That’s why the legal options available to drunk driving victims and their families are so important. A San Jose personal injury attorney can help victims and their families hold intoxicated drivers responsible for the damage they cause.
The San Jose personal injury lawyers at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP have experience helping auto accident survivors and their families. To learn more, contact us at (408) 716-1668 to schedule a free consultation. Keep in mind, you only have a limited time to file a claim.