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Drunk pedestrians are just as liable as drunk drivers

On Behalf of | Dec 23, 2019 | Criminal Defense

The Department of Motor Vehicles recently released a warning to pedestrians, citing some alarming statistics. With holiday parties in full swing, the DMV is warning party-goers about impaired walking. In other words, walking while intoxicated.

According to statistics, as of December 6, 2019, 25 pedestrians who were killed in Virginia were drinking before the accidents happened. Between 2016 and 2018, 71% of all pedestrian fatalities took place in urban areas. Eighty percent of those accidents were between the hours of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. Further, 39% of pedestrian accidents occurred on a Friday or Saturday.

While these warnings are not meant to take away from the drunk driving epidemic, they are intended to create awareness of another issue. Of course, no one should ever get behind the wheel of a car after drinking. Likewise, one should not walk intoxicated in an area or roadway where they would be in danger. The Virginia state code, Chapter 8, Section 46.2-924 states that “no pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic.”

If you have been involved in an accident involving an intoxicated pedestrian, you may have legal recourse available. You should consult with a criminal defense attorney to discuss the unique circumstances of your accident. Drunk pedestrians may be held liable for accidents where their actions caused serious harm or even death. To keep everyone safe during the holiday season as well as year-round, those who have been drinking should always remain in a spot far away from roadways until alternate transportation arrives to transport them to safety.