For drivers in the state of Wisconsin, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. A driver is considered “under the influence” if his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired. A person may face criminal charges of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) if he or she is found to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .08% or higher while driving a vehicle. In 2015, the most recent year in which the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported data related to drunk driving, there were 28, 790 individuals arrested for OWI in the state, including 275 motorists under the age of 18. The prevalence of drunk driving can be scary to think about, and a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver can lead to serious injuries and wrongful death. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the driver who negligently operated his or her vehicle while intoxicated.
Wisconsin OWI Conviction Statistics
Arrest data has shown us that 93% of the drivers convicted of OWI in 2015 were at least 21 years old. Looking further into the OWI conviction numbers for registered drivers, we find that:
- 448, 624 motorists had one conviction
- 131, 597 motorists had two convictions
- 52, 002 motorists had three convictions
- 21, 516 motorists had four convictions
- 9, 535 motorists had five convictions
Although the annual number of alcohol-related crashes has decreased significantly since 2006, these types of accidents continue to occur at an alarming rate. The high numbers of people with multiple OWI convictions indicate that relapses are all too common, and offenders may continue to endanger the safety of themselves and others.
Alcohol-Related Crashes, Injuries, and Fatalities in Wisconsin
In 2015, there were 5, 174 crashes involving intoxicated drivers. These incidents resulted in 2, 872 injuries and 190 deaths. When an impaired driver gets behind the wheel, he or she may not understand the risks associated with his or her actions. Alcohol use can affect an individual’s eyesight, coordination, reaction time, and judgment, making it nearly impossible to safely operate a motor vehicle. When these drivers’ actions result in the injury or death of others, they should be held responsible for their actions.
Contact a Green Bay OWI Car Accident Attorney
If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, your life can change significantly. Personal injuries, medical bills, property damage, missed time at work, and pain and suffering can have a massive impact on your well-being, and you should be sure to understand how you can recover compensation for these damages from the driver who caused your injuries. At Herrling Clark, Ltd., our experienced lawyers will aggressively work for you during your time of need and help you receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated Appleton personal injury lawyers, contact our office at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drunk-drv/ddcrash.aspx
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drunk-drv/ddarrests.aspx
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drunk-drv/ddlaw.aspx