When one reads of a fatal motor vehicle accident, it seems that it is second nature to scan for evidence of drunk driving. In one recent accident that occurred just north of Pittsburgh, police report that alcohol was suspected to have been involved. In this particular car accident, the driver went off the road, flipped the vehicle several times and crashed into a utility pole, injuring himself and killing his passenger. Neither were wearing seat belts.

While this accident may have been caused by factors other than alcohol, there are many similar motor vehicle accidents that are caused by a drunken driver. Many of these leave behind serious personal injuries or fatalities, as well as family and friends who experience their own suffering.

While police have their own agenda when dealing with drunken drivers, those who suffer personal injuries need to pursue their own legal action. The criminal system looks at the actions of a drunken driver and assesses the potential danger they may be to the community, but does not necessarily delve into the impact of what has already been done, or the suffering caused by the driver's lack of judgment.

Passengers, of course, also need to use good judgment when heading out on the roads. Not riding with intoxicated drivers, and consistently wearing a seat belt are both important precautions to take when on the road. They also need to limit the amount they are distracting the driver and allow them to focus on the road, and alert them if their driving ability becomes compromised.

Source: KDKA, "Crash Kills Butler Woman, Injures Driver," Nov. 18, 2012