“The high ranking is certainly troubling,” says John M. Cooper of Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers. “It is clear that something has to be done about it. With law enforcement already in full force around the city, the only way to bring those numbers down is for drivers to change their own habits. That is not always so easy.”
Virginia Beach has one of the highest rates of drunk drivers in the country. That is what a study conducted by QuoteWizard, a Lending Tree company, says. According to the study, which looked at the number of drivers with DUIs on their record, Virginia Beach ranked tenth among U.S. cities. Law enforcement in the city agrees that Virginia Beach has a drunk driving problem, even with their aggressive tactics to stop it.
Law enforcement in the city has already started cracking down on drunk drivers to attempt to get the problem under control. There are often checkpoints around the city, and the Virginia Beach Police have even created a special operations traffic safety unit and a fatal crash team. These teams consist of ten officers that rotate DUI enforcement every day.
Officers say that those caught impaired behind the wheel will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. For victims of car accidents though, that does little to help. However, it is important that those hurt by drunk drivers understand they can claim compensation if they are injured in a crash.
It is also not only law enforcement around the city that have noticed the problem. The DMV has also given the Virginia Beach Police a grant to pay 30 officers overtime, so they can continually try to get drunk drivers off the streets.
Impaired driving is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors individuals can engage in. Violating drunk driving laws is usually a clear case of negligence. When one driver is negligent and hurts another in a car crash, accident victims can hold the intoxicated operator liable for any expenses or losses associated with injuries caused by a crash. It is important that those injured by a driver who was drinking to speak to an attorney who can help with a personal injury claim.
