Drunk Driver

Lafayette recently ranked second in binge drinking in the state. The Lafayette binge drinking rate (binge drinking is defined as five drinks for a man and four drinks for a woman in a single sitting) was 21%. St. James Parish ranked first with a close rate of 25%.

Festivals, football, drive-thru daiquiri shops, a large college student population, a large concentration of offshore workers, and a strong European cultural influence are given as possible reasons for Acadiana’s high binge drinking rate.

Among physical consequences of binge drinking, other consequences such as DWI or an alcohol related motor vehicle accident can occur due to excessive alcohol consumption.

The Louisiana State Police reported thirteen fatal crashes in Louisiana over the Thanksgiving holiday week. The accidents tragically resulted in fourteen deaths. Two crashes were caused by driver impairment and one crash involved a motorcycle and a pedestrian.

Louisiana law takes a harsh stance on drunk driving. This past legislative session, state lawmakers passed six new laws giving officers several methods to test an individual suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These laws also create harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

Despite the state’s recent crack down on drunk driving, driving under the influence remains a serious problem in the state, especially during the holidays. Impaired driving is a leading cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana. If your loved one was seriously injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, you should speak with a lawyer to learn about your legal rights.

Articles Posted in Drunk Driver

Lafayette Parish Second in Binge Drinking

Louisiana State Police Report Thirteen Fatal Holiday-Week Crashes