The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has reported that almost 11,000 people died and more than 200,000 suffered injuries due to drunk drivers in 2017. Drunk driving is a factor in 29% of traffic fatalities. Drivers in Pennsylvania should be wary of others on the road, as drunk driving remains the No. 1 cause of car accident deaths. The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving has called for increased efforts by those in the automotive industry to combat the problem with technology.

More specifically, the organization has challenged those in the industry to develop technologies that would prevent drivers who are drunk from operating a motor vehicle. An auto industry group has been in the process of developing such technology, which is called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety. That program is moving toward breath-based and touch-based systems to measure the blood alcohol content of the driver.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an in-vehicle system to prevent drunk driving could prevent 7,000 traffic deaths annually nationwide. The president of MADD published an article asking the automotive industry to increase funding for the development of drunk driving prevention technologies. Furthermore, the article applauded those members of the industry who have made significant efforts. Most of the funding for research and development has historically come from the states and the federal government, but federal funding is set to expire in 2020.

Drunk driving leads to many deaths and injuries on the road. Someone who suffers injuries in a car crash caused by a drunk driver might be entitled to recover for damages. A Pennsylvania attorney with experience in personal injury law might be able to help the injured party by gathering medical records and other evidence in preparation for litigation or by negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party and their insurer.