Reading the latest statistics on DUI accidents and deaths in Florida can be a bit confusing. As with any statistic it really depends on how you look at the numbers. The total number of accidents this decade caused by driving under the influence has remained rather steady. The number has been somewhere between 22,000 and 24,000 each year. While that number has remained rather consistent, the number of deaths in DUI-related accidents has increased. (read more)
The number of deaths in DUI accidents has gone from 979 in 2000 to 1,169 in 2008. While that is an increase of 190 deaths and a 19% spike, it actually is not an increase when you look at the percentages. With more drivers on the road, the number of deaths per DUI accidents has remained at about 6 per 100,000. MADD and the Florida Highway Patrol believe those numbers are a good sign but both know more work needs to be done. While MADD continues to push for more stringent legislation, due to overcrowded jails, many in Law Enforcement believe the more logical next step will be education.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Tampa or Hillsborough County, please do not hesitate to contact David Haenel at 1-800-FIGHT-IT or online at fightyourtampadui.com to discuss the matter. Also you can contact David by stopping in our new Tampa office located at 3426 W. Kennedy Blvd.