The dangers of Miami drunk driving accidents have been well documented, and there are many public awareness campaigns organized by groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) intended to raise awareness about the dangers of driving drunk. However, many authorities have been trying to send the message that walking while intoxicated can be just as dangerous.
According to a recent article in the Sun Sentinel, 32 fatal Florida pedestrian accidents in 2010 involved a pedestrian with an elevated blood alcohol level. Across Florida, about 13% of serious pedestrian accidents involved an intoxicated pedestrian. In Miami, pedestrian accidents also take place when pedestrians have been drinking. In Broward County alone, 7% of pedestrian accidents in 2010 involved a pedestrian who was intoxicated. In Palm Beach County, 9% of such accidents last year involved a pedestrian who had been drinking.
While walking home after drinking can seem like a safer alternative than drinking and driving, it is not a safe way to get home. Drinking reduces mobility and agility. Drunk pedestrians are susceptible to being injured in Miami slip and fall accidents or trip and fall accidents. They are more likely to fall down, wander into traffic, or try to cross the street outside of crosswalks. Pedestrians who have been drinking may also show poor judgment and may even in some cases lose consciousness near the road, putting them at risk being hit by a car.
If you have been drinking, there is no doubt that you should not drive. Far too many Miami car accidents are caused by drunk drivers. However, walking home alone is also clearly not a safe solution. A better option might be to get a ride from a designated driver, sober friend, public transport, or a taxi. If these are not options, drunk pedestrians should not head home alone, especially if they are severely intoxicated. Walking home with someone who is sober can ensure that a pedestrian is not hit by a car, does not fall over, or otherwise does not injure themselves.
The statistics about pedestrian accidents involving pedestrians who have been drinking stress one thing: drinking can easily cause injuries in a number of ways. Even when someone who is intoxicated is not behind the wheel of a car, he or she is vulnerable to injuries caused by reduced mobility and judgment. Even simply walking home can be dangerous. Those who serve alcohol need to be aware of this. Even if you are just serving alcohol at a holiday party at home, you need to be aware that simply ensuring that guests do not drink and drive may not be enough to keep your guests safe. You need to ensure that your guests get home safely with a sober driver or pedestrian who can help them reach home.
Miami pedestrian accident victims can face weeks or months of recovery time, substantial medical costs, lost income, and other damages. That’s why it is a good idea for victims to at least consult with a qualified Miami personal injury attorney before making any decisions in your case. Fortunately, the Flaxman Law Group does not charge anything for an initial consultation. If you have been injured in a Miami pedestrian accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.