The Mardi Gras DUI accident last month that injured 28 people is another example of why we need to educate our young people on the dangers of drunk driving. It has been reported that the driver had a blood alcohol content of almost three times the legal limit at the time of the crash.

It is sad that with as much education on drunk driving and severe penalties for convictions of drunk driving charges that some people still choose to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle when they are drunk. The hope of several organizations is that by increasing education for teen drivers we may be able to reduce the level of drunk driving on our roads in Louisiana and throughout the United States.

Teens Can “Feel” How It Is To Drive While Intoxicated

No, they are not allowing teens to get drunk and drive, but they are giving teen drivers the same physical limitations that being intoxicated places on a driver. Ford Motor Skills For Life is a campaign aimed at training teenagers to be safe, responsible drivers through online education and hands-on learning. One program of particular interest is the one that allows teens to wear beer goggles and a drunk suit to mimic the physical impact of alcohol on their ability to operate a motor vehicle. The hope is that teen drivers will see how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel after drinking.

In a recent story on The Today Show, Jeff Rossen tested the beer goggles and the drunk suit for himself.  Rossen drove the test course before putting on any of the special equipment, and he did a fantastic job — perfect, in fact. Then Rossen was fitted with the drunk suite and beer goggles. As Rossen admits, he was trying his best to walk a straight line but failed the field sobriety test. Then Rossen was placed back in the same vehicle to drive the same test course. There were very few, if any, orange cones left standing when Rossen was wearing the suit and goggles. It was a startling and revealing look at how alcohol impairs a person’s ability to operate a vehicle.

DUI Accidents in Louisiana

A little over a year ago, The Acadiana Advocate reported that “Despite spending millions of dollars in federal grant money for sobriety enforcement, fewer arrests are being made in Louisiana for drunk driving even as alcohol-related fatalities trend upward.” Unfortunately, DUI accidents continue to be a serious problem throughout Louisiana. Thousands are injured and killed each year in the United States in DUI accidents.

If a drunk driver injures you or a family member, you have legal rights under Louisiana personal injury laws. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages caused by a drunk driver. Your first step is to file a claim against the driver’s insurance policy. Our New Orleans DUI accident attorneys can help. The insurance adjuster does NOT represent your best interest. You need someone on your side who will protect your best interest.

Call a New Orleans DUI Accident Attorney to Protect Your Best Interest

Our New Orleans DUI accident attorney fights for your right to receive fair and full compensation for your damages. For a free legal consultation and no-obligation case evaluation, contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm. You can contact our office by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable staff member who will help you set up your free appointment with an experienced NoLA DUI accident lawyer.