It is, tragically, a routine occurrence for a deadly vehicle accident to feature prominently as a media story in New York City and elsewhere across the state.
A number of factors exist to make that so. As a state, New York has a comparatively high population. Moreover, many of its urban environs are particularly dense and complicated. Any New York City resident can attest to the fact that driving around the city can occasionally be a bit confusing and tension-ridden.
Crosswalks, bridges, intersections, motorcycles, buses, commercial trucks, students, delivery vans … all these and more can be ready catalysts for accidents and resulting injuries.
So, too, can be drunk drivers.
Unquestionably, inebriated motorists are a roadway scourge, and police officers are always on the lookout for signs that a driver is intoxicated while behind the wheel.
Like most states, New York sanctions the use of sobriety checkpoints to identify and take drunk drivers off the road. As noted in an online overview of DWI checkpoints, states have been deemed by the United States Supreme Court to have a compelling interest in promoting safety and curbing accidents involving drunk drivers, which enables checkpoints to withstand legal challenges based on motorists’ privacy considerations.
Are checkpoints effective?
According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they are, indeed. As noted in the above overview, the CDC estimates that checkpoints can curb accidents involving alcohol by about 20 percent.
That is certainly impressive.
Interspersed with the many conscientious motorists on the roadways of New York is, unfortunately, a select group of drunk drivers who imperil the safety of every driver.
Legal remedies exist for accident victims injured through the callous actions or negligence of third parties, such as drunk drivers who are heedless of safety and the rights of other motorists.
An experienced personal injury attorney can provide further information, as well as diligent advocacy on behalf of an injured client.