Few behaviors are as dangerous and unlawful as getting behind the wheel while inebriated and over California’s legal driving limit. California lawmakers, clearly aware of the dangers of drunk driving, have taken a common-sense step towards reducing drunk driving on California roads.
A new law that took effect January 1, 2018, now permits alcohol manufacturers and licensed alcohol sellers to provide free or discounted rides to get drinkers home safely. The law allows such manufacturers and sellers to provide this transportation through either:
- Ride-sharing services
- Taxicabs
- Other ride providers
Previously, California law only allowed alcohol licensees to offer discounts that did not exceed a so-called “inconsequential” value to their consumers. An exception to this law existed that allowed licensees to offer discounts or free rides at invitation-only, private alcohol events. Now, this law has been relaxed to allow licensees and manufacturers to provide free or discounted rides to their consumers in all cases, not just private events.
Ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber have already expressed support for the bill, as California has now joined 44 other states that permit liquor manufacturers to pay for the free or discounted rides of patrons.
It remains to be seen whether this will cut down on drunk driving, as some critics caution that the bill effectively promotes consumers to consume too much alcohol, banking on a free ride home. Regardless, drunk driving is and will likely to continue to remain a predominate threat jeopardizing the safety of sober California drivers.
California Drunk Driving Statistics
From 2003 to 2012, well over 10,000 Californians lost their lives in accidents involving a drunk driver. Over this time period, it became clear that more than 25% of California’s accident fatalities each year are caused by drunk driving, as a general rule.
There is year-to-year variation, naturally, but it is inescapable that impaired driving is a leading contributor to dangerous and severe accidents on California roads.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a California accident caused by a drunk driver, you are entitled to legal compensation in a state that sets no limit on the compensation you can receive.
The Ledger Law Firm Represents Victims of Drunk Driving
The Ledger Law Firm is a nationwide law firm headed by nationally recognized injury lawyer Emery Ledger. Our firm believes in the right of innocent victims to receive deserved compensation and justice when injuries are needlessly caused by a drunk driver’s negligence and wrongdoing.
We will provide you with an effective legal representation that makes sure you receive a fair settlement offer that maximizes compensation and is truly reflective of your legal claim’s value in a state that sets no cap on your compensation as an accident victim.
The stress and uncertainty you can face after a drunk driving accident can be nearly unbearable. Our team is here to provide peace of mind that you can focus on healing and spending time with loved ones because your legal claim is in capable hands.
Contact us online today to discuss the facts of your California drunk driving accident so we can help you receive the compensation you need to heal and recover.
