According to a study done by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), drunk driving crashes cost the United States more than $132 billion annually. They also account for more than one-third of all deaths. Sadly, Michigan was one of eight states that have done the least to address “hard-core drinking and driving,” leading to preventable auto accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Michigan’s poor rating (one star out of five) by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was based on the state’s failure to implement many of the 11 elements the NTSB believes can help stop alcohol-related deaths.

Michigan has adopted only two elements – DWI courts and confinement alternatives – and actually has declared one of the biggest proposals illegal: sobriety checkpoints. The NTSB has stated that these checkpoints can reduce deaths due to drunk driving by 20 percent.

Though alcohol-related traffic deaths in Michigan in 2010 were down to 30 percent (from 34 percent in 2009), that number is still too high. And many families are feeling the sad effects of drunken drivers on Michigan highways. If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident or if you have lost a loved one to a preventable car crash, contact David Femminineo and the personal injury attorneys of Femminineo Attorneys PLLC. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents.

And we hope that you and yours have a very happy – and safe – holiday season.