According to preliminary data, the number of New Mexico highway fatalities involving intoxicated or impaired drivers rose slightly last year. In 2011, 146 people died in alcohol-related crashes on New Mexico highways. This means alcohol-related traffic deaths accounted for approximately 41 percent of the 355 traffic fatalities that occurred on highways in the state.
This week, additional state police will be on the lookout for drunk and impaired drivers in an effort to reduce traffic fatalities. Officers will be cracking down on intoxicated drivers throughout the St. Patrick’s Day weekend as part of a state sponsored driving while intoxicated (DWI) superblitz. Police will also be monitoring drivers using a number of sobriety checkpoints. On Tuesday, Governor Susana Martinez helped kick off the DWI superblitz at a press conference near United States Highway 550 in Sandoval County. Over the past five years, 28 alcohol-related traffic deaths occurred on that stretch of road. The Governor was joined by Transportation Secretary Alvin Dominguez, Public Safety Secretary Gorden Eden, Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, and representatives from a variety of organizations that seek to target drunk driving in the state and nationwide.
In addition to an increased law enforcement presence on highways in New Mexico, an advertisement campaign demonstrating the dangerous consequences of driving under the influence will also be a part of the DWI superblitz. According to Governor Martinez, the increased enforcement is designed to provide New Mexico drivers with an additional incentive to refrain from drinking and driving. In 2012, approximately $2.4 million in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds will be used by 89 state law enforcement agencies to combat drunk driving throughout New Mexico. $75,000 of those funds will directly support police attempts to reduce the number of impaired drivers on Highway 550.
New Mexico residents spend a lot of time in their vehicles. Automobile collisions are one of the primary causes of personal injury claims filed nationwide each year. Car accidents frequently result from reckless, drunk, inattentive, or otherwise impaired drivers. Motor vehicle accidents can also be caused by automobile defects, hazardous road conditions, and a variety of other factors. Although many car accidents result in minor fender benders, they can also result in tragic fatalities. Individuals who are hurt by a drunk or negligent driver may be awarded money for their medical expenses, pain, suffering, permanent or temporary disability, and other damages. If you or a loved one was injured due to a driver’s negligence or impairment, it is a good idea to contact a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
At the Fine Law Firm, our dedicated New Mexico car accident attorneys are available to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries after a collision. We represent clients throughout New Mexico in both state and federal court. Our hardworking lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience assisting clients who were hurt by drunk or impaired drivers. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact the Fine Law Firm through our website or call us today at (505) 889-3463.
More Blog Posts:
Commodification of an Injury – Putting a price to pain, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 3, 2011
How Will Federal Gun Policy Impact New Mexico’s Medical Marijuana Policy, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 27, 2011
Additional Resources:
Alcohol-related traffic deaths in NM slightly up, by The Associated Press, The Santa Fe New Mexican
Governor helps kick off DWI Superblitz, The Santa Fe New Mexican