October 10, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Many people in Seattle, Bellevue and Everett enjoy going out for a couple of drinks after work to unwind from a stressful day or may choose to have some wine with dinner. However, drinking and driving is a serious issue that can cause severe injuries and death if a drunk driver causes a car accident. While there are many campaigns out there to encourage people from engaging in this type of behavior, it still continues to be a problem.

States encouraged to lower legal limit

Nationwide, alcohol has been a factor in 10,000 deaths and the National Transportation Safety Board wants to see states make a significant change. That change is to lower the current blood-alcohol content level from 0.08 to 0.05 according to NBC News. The American Beverage Institute claims that if states take this step, it would not prevent people who are excessive drinkers from getting behind the wheel of their car.

However, the NTSB points out several facts supporting their recommendation. These facts are:- Around four million people admit driving while intoxicated each year.- Most European countries, South American countries and Australia have a BAC limit of 0.05; Australia reported a decrease in traffic fatalities, involving alcohol, after the change.- Up to 1,000 lives could be saved each year.- Drivers can begin showing problems with inebriation at 0.07 BAC and show depth perception issues at 0.05.- When the BAC was dropped to 0.08 by states, fatalities decreased by half.

With a lower BAC in place, people could employ the use of a designated driver more often, a method that is greatly encouraged now. They would also likely be more aware of how much alcohol they are consuming.

State of Washington's reaction

On average, anywhere between 500 and 600 people are seriously injured in drunk driving accidents in the state of Washington each year, according to a state report from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Fatalities range between 250 to 300 people per year.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, over 19,000 people in the state have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol on at least three occasions and over 2,000 people on at least five occasions. Likely these numbers have prompted lawmakers to pass new laws in recent years to stiffen penalties for people who are convicted of DUI.

Just this year, a set of new laws was passed by the state, referred to as a DUI reform package, according to King 5 News. The laws extend sentences, the use of ignition interlocks and create new methods of alcohol addiction treatment for people convicted of drunk driving. Among the proposed legislation was a motion to lower the state's legal limit to 0.05 but was not included in the reform package. The bill is likely to surface in next year's legislative session and Governor Jay Inslee, D-Washington, indicated that he would not be opposed to such a bill.

When people are involved in a car accident, caused by a drunk driver, there can be many challenges facing them in the months and years ahead. One of their first calls should be to an experienced attorney in their area.

Article provided by Firm Target Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA - Motor Vehicle Visit us at seattle-caraccidentlawyer.com/