How Alcohol Awareness Month Can Save Lives
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) declared April as Alcohol Awareness Month back in 1987. Every April, the Council strives to increase the public’s understanding of alcohol dependence and attempts to reduce the stigma that prevents individuals and families from seeking help. This April, the NCADD and its affiliates will release information and resources about alcohol and alcoholism to help those individuals who are struggling to break free from the clutches of addiction.
The theme of Alcohol Awareness Month this year is “Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow.” NCADD will employ a multitude of media strategies, events, and awareness campaigns. The goal is not to penalize or chastise those suffering from alcoholism, but to foster an environment that helps alcoholics seek out support. Alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease that can prove injurious not only to the health of the drinker, but also to others if the individual ends up driving a vehicle while under the influence.
Alcohol-related car accidents are a serious problem in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety released a City Crash Facts 2011 report, which reviewed accidents that occurred in cities with a population of 5,000 or more. According to the 2011 study:
- 61 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in major Oklahoma cities;
- the cities with the most DUI-related fatalities included Oklahoma City (20), Tulsa (14), and Edmond (4);
- 165 people suffered incapacitating injuries and 438 others suffered non-incapacitating injuries in alcohol-related crashes.
Many of these tragic accidents could have been prevented if the driver sought out help for alcoholism before getting behind the wheel. If you or someone you love has suffered a loss because of a drunk driver, please contact an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.