The state of New Jersey is slated to receive a $5 million grant from the federal government to reduce traffic fatalities across the state. According to official announcements, the money will be used for a variety of initiatives including the encouragement of more seatbelt use and heightened pedestrian safety. The funds will go to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and they will be dispersed to individual programs.
Of the $5 million coming to the state, $2.9 million will be used to combat drunk driving. Reducing drunk driving is a huge priority considering the high number of fatalities that are caused by impaired driving accidents. Officials say that more than a third of the 30,000 deaths that occur each year on the nation’s highways are caused by drunk or distracted drivers.
Car accidents caused by drunk driving carry a huge toll for the victims. In addition to the injuries suffered, there are also the financial costs to consider, including damage to the vehicle, lost wages and medical bills incurred. These bills can add up to a tremendous amount of money, which can be very burdensome for any family, especially those struggling economically.
The grant money may do a tremendous amount of good and prevent some drunk driving, but this is a problem that will not go away entirely. Regardless of how much money is spent, there will always be self-destructive, irresponsible people who get behind the wheel of a car while drunk. Therefore, the threat of a car accident caused by drunk driving will be ever present.
Victims of drunk driving accidents should know that they are entitled to pursue monetary compensation from the responsible party or parties for their suffering and financial losses. Recovery could be for medical bills, lost wages, disabilities caused by the accident and for the pain and suffering incurred. It’s important to consult with someone with knowledge about the law to learn what options may exist.
Source: The Record, “N.J. Will Receive $5M in Grants to Combat Drunk Driving, Improve Safety,” Karen Rouse, Oct. 2, 2012